Hi, my name is Sara and I am raising money for my cousin, Victoria McHughes and her family.

Victoria (Vic) and Matt’s story began almost 2 years ago. After months of trying to conceive naturally, they began the process of intrauterine insemination or IUI. Under the guidance of doctors and midwives, Vic and Matt continued to hope that their dream of becoming parents would come true. On September 2, 2022, they discovered that they were pregnant. Oliver Currey McHughes was born on May 10, 2023. During delivery, Victoria had complications including low blood pressure, hemorrhage, and a double knotted umbilical cord (which is very rare). Luckily, both Vic and Oliver were healthy enough to able to leave the hospital a few days after delivery.

Then, on June 12, 2023, Victoria began having severe abdominal pain and vomiting. She was admitted to Ascension St. Thomas Rutherford and was found to have a gallstone blocking her bile duct. She underwent ERCP to have the gallstone removed with hopes of a quick recovery. Unfortunately, she her health started to decline. She developed pancreatitis and her kidneys went into acute renal failure. She underwent 1 round of dialysis at Ascension then required emergent transfer to Vanderbilt University Medical Center where she was admitted to the medical intensive care unit (MICU).

After much investigation and collaboration, doctors at Vanderbilt diagnosed her with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS), which is a very rare disease. According to the National Institute of Health, “atypical HUS occurs with an estimated incidence of 10 cases per 1,000,000 in the U.S. and about 7 per 1,000,000 in Europe.” HUS typically occurs with a triad of symptoms, including low platelet count, acute renal impairment, and hemolytic anemia (or destruction of red blood cells).

Victoria is still admitted to the hospital and receiving many treatments to try and preserve her kidney function and keep her red blood cell count up. She is undergoing intermittent dialysis, blood transfusions, and receiving immunotherapy medications. All of these treatments are very expensive. Luckily, Victoria and Matt are insured through Vanderbilt and have the support of family and friends to get them through this trying time. However, they will also need some financial support to help with hospital bills, medication coverage, and possibly childcare as Vic embarks on this long journey of recovery.

This is where you come in… Victoria, Matt, and baby Oliver greatly appreciate all the prayers and support during this difficult time. Any and all donations are greatly appreciated!