Support the Sakala Family and Baby Chip

Let's show our support for the Sakala Family. Proceeds will go toward medical expenses and care for Baby Chip.

Andrew and Lisa have gone through an incredible journey to parenthood, one rife with challenges. Shortly after deciding children were in their future, Lisa was diagnosed with bladder cancer. This story alone would be inspiring enough- Lisa has been cancer free for over two years and counting - but Andrew and Lisa's dreams were put on hold even longer when their first two IVF treatments were unsuccessful. This would not deter Andrew and Lisa though, and their third treatment was successful, starting the journey that would bring sweet baby Chip into this world.

Toward the end of her 2nd trimester, Lisa began to have high blood pressure and received a pre-eclampsia diagnosis. This became so advanced that Chip Lewis Sakala was born via emergency C-section at just 26 weeks gestational age on 8/14/2021.

Mom has since recovered from surgery and her pre-eclampsia symptoms, but Chip's journey had just begun. Chip had a condition called Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC). This condition causes intestinal tissue to fail, often making I.V. feedings a necessity. Chip has already had three surgeries: one heart surgery to close a blood vessel, another removing his appendix and two problem parts of his intestine, with the latest removing more of his small intestine.

Andrew and Lisa are working on finding Chip the best pediatric gastrointestinal care in the country, which is out of state. The hope is for Chip to one day be able to feed on his own, but he has some more milestones to hit before getting there.

Chip is not only his parents’ hero, but also a hero to many of us as well. He certainly has the strongest and most inspiring parents one could ask for. Andrew and Lisa have spent time with him every day at Helen Devos Children’s Hospital, reading him Harry Potter and showering him with love. They have exemplified what it means to be loving parents with their dedication to their son, Chip.

Please consider donating to support Chip and his parents, Andrew and Lisa!