The bereaved parents of Rylie Dawn
Donation protected
Please help the parents of Rylie Dawn Heffner.
In January, Melissa suffered a ruptured ectopic pregnancy requiring an ambulance transport, emergency surgery, and a stay within the hospital. Their medical bills were already high before any complications ensued during Melissa’s next pregnancy with Rylie.
After 5 weeks of excessive bleeding, Rylie’s mother, Melissa, found out that her membranes had ruptured at just 22 ½ weeks gestation. 50% of women will go into labor and deliver within 48 hours. Another 25% will go into labor and deliver within 1 week. While the remainder of pregnant women could potentially make it another 2-10 weeks. If Rylie was to be born soon, her chance of survival or incidence without morbidity was very low. Melissa and Austin prayed they could keep their little princess inside as long as possible.
Melissa was quickly admitted to Methodist hospital in Indianapolis, IN approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes away from their home. Before this, Melissa was in and out of work, as she was placed on and off bedrest and limited restrictions during her time of bleeding. She obtained a new job that included benefits and was only there for 2 weeks prior to being admitted into the hospital. As many of you know, most employers do not offer benefits for their employees until they have been there for some time. Rylie’s estimated due date was after Melissa’s benefits were to take effect. With imminent labor on the horizon, Rylie’s father, Austin, was fearful to return to work which was approximately 2 hours away from the hospital.
Melissa made it 10 days in the hospital before going into labor and delivering Rylie. Rylie came into this world at only 24 weeks gestation. She was absolutely beautiful and her parents, although scared of the possible issues she might face, loved her more that anything they have ever laid eyes on. Unfortunately, after 2 long days of fighting for her life in the NICU, Rylie passed away in the arms of her father.
The couple has tried to remain optimistic and keep their faith in light of their tragedy, but neither parent is in any shape to return to work. Austin is almost out of his paid time off and Melissa is currently on unpaid leave. They haven’t asked for much during their time of grieving and many individuals have asked how they can help. Anything you can donate could help this couple continue to try to heal while not sinking them further into more debt and despair.
In January, Melissa suffered a ruptured ectopic pregnancy requiring an ambulance transport, emergency surgery, and a stay within the hospital. Their medical bills were already high before any complications ensued during Melissa’s next pregnancy with Rylie.
After 5 weeks of excessive bleeding, Rylie’s mother, Melissa, found out that her membranes had ruptured at just 22 ½ weeks gestation. 50% of women will go into labor and deliver within 48 hours. Another 25% will go into labor and deliver within 1 week. While the remainder of pregnant women could potentially make it another 2-10 weeks. If Rylie was to be born soon, her chance of survival or incidence without morbidity was very low. Melissa and Austin prayed they could keep their little princess inside as long as possible.
Melissa was quickly admitted to Methodist hospital in Indianapolis, IN approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes away from their home. Before this, Melissa was in and out of work, as she was placed on and off bedrest and limited restrictions during her time of bleeding. She obtained a new job that included benefits and was only there for 2 weeks prior to being admitted into the hospital. As many of you know, most employers do not offer benefits for their employees until they have been there for some time. Rylie’s estimated due date was after Melissa’s benefits were to take effect. With imminent labor on the horizon, Rylie’s father, Austin, was fearful to return to work which was approximately 2 hours away from the hospital.
Melissa made it 10 days in the hospital before going into labor and delivering Rylie. Rylie came into this world at only 24 weeks gestation. She was absolutely beautiful and her parents, although scared of the possible issues she might face, loved her more that anything they have ever laid eyes on. Unfortunately, after 2 long days of fighting for her life in the NICU, Rylie passed away in the arms of her father.
The couple has tried to remain optimistic and keep their faith in light of their tragedy, but neither parent is in any shape to return to work. Austin is almost out of his paid time off and Melissa is currently on unpaid leave. They haven’t asked for much during their time of grieving and many individuals have asked how they can help. Anything you can donate could help this couple continue to try to heal while not sinking them further into more debt and despair.
Organizer and beneficiary
Alisha Settle
Organizer
Columbus, IN
Melissa Heffner
Beneficiary