Support the Early Arrival of Baby Oaklee
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UPDATE:
This is an update on Oaklee and Heather as of October 19th—
Heather and Jacob are currently living in a hotel, near OHSU, while they await an opening at the local Ronald McDonald house. An opening is not available until some time in November— we are continuing to pray that an availability of transfer would open up more quickly than this, so that they can be more appropriately accommodated for, more directly connected to the hospital (the Ronald McDonald house has direct lines of transport to and from the NICU).
Sweet Oaklee is growing beautifully and doing well.
Heather has been able to collect colostrum for Oaklee and is doing her best to be diligent with pumping so as to support her milk supply. Heather being properly nourished and as stress-free as possible is vital to supporting her milk production.
If you, in addition to financially supporting them, would like to bless them by delivering a home-cooked meal and/or providing nourishing snacks or grocery items, please contact Heather directly for arranging a time to connect with her in person to drop off any items.
Other prayer requests:
please continue to pray over all hearts involved— particularly the hearts of Heather, and Aaliyah and Ayden. Heather most likely will be unable to travel down to their home, especially in these early NICU days, as she wants to remain close to Oaklee, in the chance that anything were to happen. This means that the only way she is able to see Aaliyah and Ayden is if they are driven up to see Heather. This has already been affecting them and causing emotional distress and weariness. So, please continue to pray for peace that surpasses all understanding, and also know that part of your funds will be attributed towards travel fuel to ensure that Aaliyah and Ayden can visit their mama as frequently as possible over the next 3-4 months.
Original post—
On the evening of October 11th, sweet baby Oaklee Grace made an early entrance into our world, being born at just 22 weeks gestation and weighing at just over a pound.
As believers, we can speak confidently over her that "she is clothed with strength and dignity and she laughs at the days to come." We stand on this truth on behalf of her because we know who her God is-- and as we stand on His promises over Oaklee's life, we believe, by faith, that we will see the goodness of the Lord prevail in the story that's being written through her.
This GoFundMe page is being setup as a digital space where people can direct their practical support for the Merwin family as they begin the road to home.
Below you will find details on their current circumstances and a list of both their immediate and long-term needs.
Thank you so much for being a part of the village that will carry this family through this season. We are so grateful for you and your support.
As of October 13th, Heather and Jacob were discharged from OHSU and transferred to a nearby hotel. Oaklee is remaining in the NICU, where she is receiving the care and attention she needs. Heather and Jacob's hearts are hurting as they long to be with their daughter. Please pray for strength and grace for all of them as they navigate the emotional toll of these circumstances.
They are awaiting an opening into the Ronald McDonald house- and though we are praying and believing for a quickening of this transfer, it could take up to a few weeks for this to occur.
For those who don't know, Heather and Jacob and their two other children (Aaliyah and Ayden) live 4 hours south of OHSU; where Oaklee is receiving her care.
Heather's mother and other immediate family members have been making the drive to deliver clothing and basic necessities they will need to live away from their home for the foreseeable future. Please also pray for Aaliyah and Ayden during this time, as they are naturally missing their mama and wanting to be with her.
As Heather is freshly postpartum, away from her babies, and in a place that isn't her home, we want to bless her with any little gifts of comfort and constant prayer, so that she can feel strengthened by the support of those around her.
With the surprise of an early birth, also came the canceling of a baby shower (at least for now), but no less the need for all baby essentials, as they are starting completely from scratch. Below you will see listed a Baby Registry link with specific items Heather and Jacob have put together for when Baby Oaklee finally gets to go home.
In the meantime, they need immediate financial assistance to sustain them while they are away from home and unable to work. You can directly support them financially through this page, or through their Venmo (Venmo also listed below).
Our goal is to ensure that Jacob can remain there, in Portland with Heather, as much as possible, to see to her needs as she recovers physically, and also to be an emotional support to Heather during this time. They are a team and are truly stronger together than they are apart.
Links for Direct Support:
Baby Registry:
Venmo:
@Heather-Wright-73677
Contact Info:
Heather: (541)-537-1165
Jacob: (541)-698-6480
Rhonda Wright (Heather's mom): (541)-315-5095
Organizer and beneficiary
Hannah Snipes
Organizer
Lebanon, TN
Heather Merwin
Beneficiary