I have created this GoFundMe for Chelsea and Damian Garcia. Since living here in College Station, Chelsea has been one of my closest friends, and she and her husband have been going through an incredibly difficult time these past several months.

A time that should have been full of joy has been full of difficult tests, phone calls, and decisions. At 12 weeks pregnant, they received a heartbreaking phone call from their OB letting them know that their genetic testing came back high risk for Trisomy 13, a rare and fatal genetic condition. At 20 weeks, they received confirmation through a detailed ultrasound and an amniocentesis. Baby Garcia has Trisomy 13 with many fatal abnormalities, including a hole in his heart.

Unfortunately, due to the very strict Texas “Heartbeat Law” that has zero exceptions, their doctors hands were tied on what their options were moving forward. The doctors have been clear from the beginning that baby Garcia either will not survive delivery or will not survive long after.

Chelsea will be induced at 34 weeks (May 16th). Due to strict work and insurance company policies regarding stillbirth, family leave is not guaranteed, and financial assistance will be much appreciated. Any donation will help Chelsea and Damian spend time at home recovering physically and emotionally from this experience. The last thing we want for them right now is to worry about what will and won’t be covered, or when they will have to get back to work.

Any donation, big or small, will be GREATLY appreciated and will lessen their burden during this difficult time.

-Abby Burley