Thomas's Fund: To support a CDH family
Donation protected
I want to tell you about my friends, and their child who is on his way. Their names are Chris and Elizabeth Davis and they are expecting their second child Thomas early this fall. But for all the joy that comes with an expected child, there is a cloud looming as well. Thomas will be born with be born special. He has a birth defect known as Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH).
CDH is a birth defect where the diaphragm does not form properly in the womb, letting the stomach, intestines, liver, and other organs slide up into the chest where they disrupt lung development in the baby.
When these babies are born, they often need assistance to breathe do to their lungs not forming properly. Most CDH babies must be born at specialty hospitals and have advanced medical interventions available at birth in order to live.
Nearly fifty percent die.
Surgery after birth to fix the hernia and any other complications are the only effective treatment.
The Davis's live in Brunswick, ME. However the closest hospital to offer these
special services is Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, MA.
Parents with children undergoing these procedures must stay with the child through this time (sometimes several months). This adds the additional expenses of housing for Elizabeth, and transportation to and from Boston for Chris.
Their expenses after insurance could be as much as $200,000.
I would like to ask for your support. Any donations that can be provided will help to defer these costs. I would also ask that you help spread the word. Please pass this along to your friends. Perhaps, working together, we can help to give Thomas a fighting chance.
CDH is a birth defect where the diaphragm does not form properly in the womb, letting the stomach, intestines, liver, and other organs slide up into the chest where they disrupt lung development in the baby.
When these babies are born, they often need assistance to breathe do to their lungs not forming properly. Most CDH babies must be born at specialty hospitals and have advanced medical interventions available at birth in order to live.
Nearly fifty percent die.
Surgery after birth to fix the hernia and any other complications are the only effective treatment.
The Davis's live in Brunswick, ME. However the closest hospital to offer these
special services is Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, MA.
Parents with children undergoing these procedures must stay with the child through this time (sometimes several months). This adds the additional expenses of housing for Elizabeth, and transportation to and from Boston for Chris.
Their expenses after insurance could be as much as $200,000.
I would like to ask for your support. Any donations that can be provided will help to defer these costs. I would also ask that you help spread the word. Please pass this along to your friends. Perhaps, working together, we can help to give Thomas a fighting chance.
Organizer
Brandon J. Wilkins
Organizer
Brunswick, ME