Thea's Fund
Donation protected
Thea’s Fund
Althea “Thea” Barr, due May 24th is the newest member of the Barr family. During her 20-week anatomy scan, she was unexpectedly diagnosed with spina bifida, a birth defect that occurs when the spine and spinal cord don't form properly in the early weeks of pregnancy. This defect is pulling on her brain, resulting in a Chiari II malformation. Thea’s parents Tim and Chelsea have been traveling hundreds of miles a week to see specialists who can help their daughter.
Recently, they were accepted for urgent fetal surgery in Colorado – one of just a few hospitals nationwide that can do in-utero operation. This surgery is Thea’s best chance to prevent further damage and possibly give her brain some time to normalize. After the procedure, Chelsea will be required to stay for 2-3 weeks of observation. She will return home and remain on modified bed rest until after delivery.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
This family needs help covering living and traveling expenses while they focus on family, healing, and finding normalcy. Research grants and insurance will cover much of the medical and housing expenses for Chelsea and Tim. However, the Barrs will be responsible for flights, transportation, and accommodations after the hospital, including expenses for their young son, Atticus. Tim will miss several weeks of work, and Chelsea will miss several months of work while she remains on light to moderate bed rest. After birth, Thea may still face some physical and mental disabilities, and she will need the continued help of specialists and her community.
Chelsea said: “We are prepared to give Thea every shot at a normal life, no matter what she may face. She is already so incredibly loved and her family and friends can hardly wait to meet her… we are grateful for your love, positivity, and patience as we navigate these changes. This has upended our lives, and our focus is on having a healthy baby girl and finding a new norm.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
My name is Paula Dana, and I am one of three grandmothers who have come together to coordinate fundraising and support for Thea, Atticus, Chelsea, and Tim. Change jars, community dinners, and more activities are being planned. If you wish to help in other ways, please feel free to send a message through this GoFundMe campaign. Your love, concern, and dedication are so appreciated.
Althea “Thea” Barr, due May 24th is the newest member of the Barr family. During her 20-week anatomy scan, she was unexpectedly diagnosed with spina bifida, a birth defect that occurs when the spine and spinal cord don't form properly in the early weeks of pregnancy. This defect is pulling on her brain, resulting in a Chiari II malformation. Thea’s parents Tim and Chelsea have been traveling hundreds of miles a week to see specialists who can help their daughter.
Recently, they were accepted for urgent fetal surgery in Colorado – one of just a few hospitals nationwide that can do in-utero operation. This surgery is Thea’s best chance to prevent further damage and possibly give her brain some time to normalize. After the procedure, Chelsea will be required to stay for 2-3 weeks of observation. She will return home and remain on modified bed rest until after delivery.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
This family needs help covering living and traveling expenses while they focus on family, healing, and finding normalcy. Research grants and insurance will cover much of the medical and housing expenses for Chelsea and Tim. However, the Barrs will be responsible for flights, transportation, and accommodations after the hospital, including expenses for their young son, Atticus. Tim will miss several weeks of work, and Chelsea will miss several months of work while she remains on light to moderate bed rest. After birth, Thea may still face some physical and mental disabilities, and she will need the continued help of specialists and her community.
Chelsea said: “We are prepared to give Thea every shot at a normal life, no matter what she may face. She is already so incredibly loved and her family and friends can hardly wait to meet her… we are grateful for your love, positivity, and patience as we navigate these changes. This has upended our lives, and our focus is on having a healthy baby girl and finding a new norm.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
My name is Paula Dana, and I am one of three grandmothers who have come together to coordinate fundraising and support for Thea, Atticus, Chelsea, and Tim. Change jars, community dinners, and more activities are being planned. If you wish to help in other ways, please feel free to send a message through this GoFundMe campaign. Your love, concern, and dedication are so appreciated.
Organizer
Paula Dana
Organizer
Centralia, WA