Support the Johnsons in Their Time of Need

It is with heavy hearts that we share the discovery that our unborn son has hydrocephalus; an excess buildup of fluid in his brain. This can be caused by either a genetic condition, or an infection that I was exposed to at some point during my pregnancy. This condition can cause outcomes ranging from him being "neurodevelopmentally normal" to the doctors recommending a selective reduction. If this is the case, we have three options. One would be to have a procedure that stops his heart, the tissue would be absorbed or compacted, and would remain in my uterus until our daughter is born, with the hope that the procedure does not cause preterm labor. The next option would be to carry both babies a few weeks longer, and deliver them several weeks early, which comes with a high risk of complications for our daughter and it has not been said what outcome our son would have. The third option would be to carry both babies until I am full term, which gives our daughter the greatest chance of healthy outcomes, but may mean our son is alive for a short amount of time.

We also have the added pressure of having two and a half short weeks to make this decision, at which point I would be more than 24 weeks and state law would require us to travel out of state should we choose to have certain procedures.

Between now and that time, I have several appointments and a two day long series of tests with the Chicago Institute of Fetal Health at Lurie Childrens Hospital. My husband and I will both have to take unpaid time off of work to attend these appointments, and the cost of travel and hotel stays will put further strain on our financial situation. We are unsure what additional appointments will be needed after this week, and how much total time we/I will need to take off of work. We are asking for support in anyway possible whether it is a financial donation, a share, or keeping our family in your thoughts during this difficult time.

Thankful always,

The Johnsons