Support the Marsh Family Amidst NICU Stay

I've created this account to help support my best friend, Stephanie Marsh, and her husband, Ben Marsh, who have had a series of hard hits recently. This past April, their family of four all came down with COVID-19 while Stephanie was five months pregnant with their now-newborn son, Owen. Shortly after, on June 15th, their one year old was admitted to the hospital after displaying some concerning symptoms. After a series of blood work, x-rays, and an IV, doctors concluded he had Bocavirus. Less than a week later, they learned Stephanie would need to deliver at 37 weeks due to Owen's umbilical cord being very dilated and showing blood flow concerns. Praise the Lord sweet little Owen arrived safely on July 12th and their family has been adoring him and adjusting to life as a family of five (boys' ages: 4, 1, newborn).

Late at night on July 25th, Stephanie awoke to the sound of Owen coughing; she saw that his lips were blue and quickly realized he was choking on mucus. She was horrified and began aggressively suctioning out his nose and throat. Ben called 911 and Owen was rushed to the hospital by ambulance where he remains for continued testing of his GI tract. It was recommended that they transfer him to a more advanced NICU, which is a 45min drive from their home, requiring a good deal of driving for them. Stephanie came down with mastitis the very next day and is torn between staying home to rest and heal and wanting to be at the NICU with their newborn son.

I'm sharing the hard details of what they've been going through, but I also want to note what we are praising God for in this difficult season. We are thanking Jesus for preserving sweet little Owen's life. Praise God for Ben's work and how supportive they have been and that he is able to sleep at the NICU with Owen. Praise God for Ben and Stephanie's families and friends who have stepped up to care for their two older boys. Praise God for laughter! I know Ben and Stephanie are continuing to find reasons to laugh (and still make me laugh) in the midst of the hardships because they know God's grace is greater than any trial. Funnily enough, Owen's middle name is Isaac, which means, "laughter."

My goal in creating this account is to help alleviate financial stress for Ben and Stephanie during what has been a very trying and traumatic time. Any donations made will go towards medical costs of Judah's stay in the hospital, Owen's transfer to the hospital and current stay, as well as gas expenses, meals, etc.

We believe in the power of prayer and are appreciative of any prayers sent for their family. I cannot express our gratitude for any donation; it is such a blessing and is deeply appreciated. Thank you for your love and care. God's blessings to you for taking the time to stop and read.