Meet Tyler, Courtney and Cooper! Cooper was SO excited to meet everyone that he decided to come into the world at just 28 weeks, weighing just 2lbs, 5oz. Cooper is doing well, growing every day and getting great attention at Magee Women’s Hospital. Tyler and Courtney sit with him daily to make sure he knows how much they love him. The past few months have been very stressful for this family and have hit them pretty hard, which is why I’m asking for your help if you’re able and feel moved to donate. Let me tell you their story as simply as I can. Tyler is my son.

Cooper was not supposed to be here until early January, but Courtney’s pregnancy with him was a high risk one due to two prior miscarriages. Thankfully he’s here and doing well. While navigating those concerns, Ty and Court were informed that they were going to have to find a new fuel source to heat their home, cook their food, heat their water, and dry their clothes. The person they’d been getting gas from decided over the summer that he’s shutting them off at the end of the year. This requires them to purchase some new appliances, etc. and costs to convert things over to propane (the least expensive option).

While working on this issue, Tyler went for some medical appointments to address some lingering things that had been going on, which required some extensive scans, etc. Although we were all scared for Ty because of the preliminary info, he received good news and a good prognosis, but the costs related to those tests aren’t cheap. And this brings us to our “Mini Cooper.”

While Ty and Court were dealing with the issues already described, Courtney’s water broke when she was just under 28 weeks along. This meant she had to be hospitalized with Cooper and was to stay at Magee until she was 34 weeks, when they’d induce her. Courtney had to take a leave from work as a result. And as you all can see, Cooper wanted to meet everyone early, so he decided to come into the world on October 19th, nearly 3 months early.

Tyler and Courtney live an hour from Magee and make daily trips from home to spend time and bond with Cooper. They’re having to spend money on gas and food while they’re there and we all know the price of things these days. They also have some medical bills from Ty’s tests, as well as some related to Cooper (insurance deductibles, etc). In addition, there are also the house-related expenses to convert their things from gas to propane (new electric stove and dryer, propane tank, labor to install and electrical work, etc). All of this is hitting them at once and with Courtney not working now. Had these things happened individually, it would have been more manageable for them.

We, Ty and Courtney’s families, are helping however we can and some of you have already given money or helped in other ways, which is truly appreciated. But some have asked if there’s anything that they could do to help, so here’s a way to do that if you’re moved to do so. No amount is too small and every dollar is appreciated. If you would like to share this to help them out further, it’s appreciated as well. Thank you for taking the time to read their story, but more importantly, thanks for helping to relieve some stress for the family for when Cooper comes home!