Sydney and Erica Aucoin’s Journey with Baby Lincoln

Isaiah 41:10: "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

On March 18, 2024 Sydney and Erica went to what they thought would be a normal ultrasound appointment for their baby boy Lincoln. Instead, they received terrifying news, and were notified that Lincoln was diagnosed with a condition called CDH (Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia). In normal cases, the diaphragm which is a thin muscle that separates the chest from belly is fully formed by the end of the first trimester. In babies with CDH, the muscles in the diaphragm do not grow together, leaving a hole in the diaphragm. This hole allowed baby Lincoln’s stomach, bowels, 5% of the liver and spleen to enter into the left side of his chest wall causing compression to his left lung and heart. Sydney and Erica were told that due to Lincoln’s diagnosis of CDH they needed to follow up with a team of specialist in Houston that are going to continue to care for Sydney throughout her pregnancy and baby Lincoln after his arrival.

After Lincoln’s arrival he will immediately be taken to NICU for surgical interventions in efforts to close the hole in his diaphragm. After surgery he still has a long battle ahead of him and will continue his stay in the NICU to recover for a minimum of 6 – 8 weeks. Sydney will stay in Houston during this time to be with Lincoln and will not be able to work. Erica will only be able to stay in Houston for a few weeks and will have to head back to Louisiana to continue to work.

Sydney and Erica are hardworking, kind, and selfless people who both have a career in helping others heal from different illnesses. Sydney has worked as a Cath Lab Nurse in Lafayette until she had to relocate to Houston. Erica continues to work as an Emergency Department Nurse in Abbeville. She will commute back and forth between Louisiana and Houston to work and care for Sydney and Lincoln. All proceeds will go towards Lincoln’s medical bills and Sydney and Erica’s daily expenses.

Thank you all in advance for the prayers, support, donations, encouragement, and love! Please keep Sydney and Erica in your prayers as they prepare for the delivery of sweet Lincoln, continue to pray for Lincoln while he undergoes surgery and stays in the NICU to become healthier and stronger so he is able to go home to Louisiana with his loving parents!