Hi, my name is Suzanne and I am fundraising for my friends, Rodrigo and Almae. They are a pair of young students who recently were eagerly awaiting the arrival of their first baby, whom they decided to name Aslan. At 32 weeks into the pregnancy, Almae started having severe abdominal pain, so they went to their doctor to find out what was causing all of the pain. He told them that it wasn't anything serious and he recommended that she take Omeprazole (Prilosec).

The following week, the pain persisted alarmingly, and when Rodrigo took Almae to the hospital, she was diagnosed with H.E.L.L.P. syndrome, and her life was in grave danger. This syndrome causes the placenta to consume all of the nutrients from the pregnant woman's liver. Almae was on the verge of having seizures that were caused by this syndrome that can be fatal.

She had to be airlifted to Intermountain Utah Valley Hospital to save her life and the baby's. And, on that same day, an emergency Cesarean Section was performed. Aslan was born prematurely and only weighed 3 lbs., 15 oz. at birth.

He was taken immediately to the NICU (Neo-natal Intensive Care Unit), where he will remain until sometime in December (2023).

Then, a mere 21 days after that fateful day, back at home, Almae was suffering from abdominal pain and vomiting again and had to be rushed to the hospital.

This time, her appendix had totally ruptured, and she was right back in the operating room, where she had just been in surgery, only 3 weeks before.

As I write this, Almae and Aslan are both hospitalized.

Aslan is doing as well as can be expected for such a tiny baby. Almae, who has had 2 brushes with death in 21 days, is expected to recover soon.

Of course, we are all very grateful that they have both survived and will recover. But, even though Rodrigo and Almae have health insurance, the hospital bills will be absolutely astronomical! For Almae, there are 2 hospital stays, 2 surgeries, 2 anesthesiologists, etc, not to mention the charge for the first responders, the helicopter, and so much more. Then for little Aslan, just being in the NICU costs anywhere from $5000 to $20,000 each day! Let's just say, it'll be only $10,000 a day for him. By the time he goes home, that will come to $600,00! And that's in addition to whatever it costs to give birth in a hospital.

Rodrigo and Almae are just starting their life together and they have big hopes and dreams for their family and their future. But, hospital bills of this magnitude could change all of that. And, I am hoping and praying that everyone who reads this will make a donation to my friends' cause. Even if you can't spare a lot right now, please give what you can. It all adds up!