Michael and Amber Glavin
Donation protected
The Story of Layla Emery:
Layla was born Wednesday, May 27th at about 1:08pm. The complications of her life began at her 20 week ultra sound. The doctors in Jefferson City noticed some abnormalities with Layla and decided it would be best to refer her on for additional ultrasounds and MRI's at different hospitals. One of the primary concerns (among many) was excess fluid in the brain that could cause very serious health problems. Over time, various concerns, including the fluid in the brain, were ruled out and Michael and Amber were told to expect no complications.
On Wednesday May 27th, Layla was born with Down Syndrome. In addition to that, what was concerning was a variety of serious health problems that presented themselves almost immediately after birth. Layla’s heart was only operating at half capacity and she was in respiratory distress. Her oxygen levels were very low and she was required to be on a large amount of supplemental oxygen. Due to the serious nature of these concerns, the doctors at St. Mary's felt it necessary to transport Layla to St. Louis Children’s Hospital via helicopter within hours after she was born. Michael and Amber were told to be prepared for various different findings, most which resulted in Layla having very serious surgeries. After several days, tests and prayer, Layla stabilized and was found to have no heart defects or physical respiratory problems. Layla was also found to be without many, if not all of the common physical health problems that are normally associated with Down Syndrome.
While this news was fantastic, there is still a lot of progress that needs to be made. One of the big concerns right now is Layla’s ability to eat on her own. Currently, she is taking some food orally and the rest is being administered via a feeding tube. Layla still remains moderately jaundiced and that does affect her eating habits as well. She is also still having trouble keeping her oxygen levels regulated, even though the doctors see no physical problems with her respiratory system. The doctors at St. Louis Children’s Hospital are expecting Layla to be admitted anywhere from 1 to 4 additional weeks. The doctors cannot be more specific on a timeframe because it solely depends on Layla’s eating habits and oxygen levels. As of June 5th, Layla has been losing weight and not eating as much, as often. While things can change at any time, she is not progressing as quickly as the doctors would like to see.
Michael and Amber Glavin:
For those of you who don't know Michael and Amber, I want to give you a brief description. I have known Michael and Amber for over 10 years and my wife has known them both for more than 20! To say that they are just our "friends" isn't quite accurate... They're family! They have been married for several years now and have a 14 month old son named Luca. Amber and Michael are great parents and are passionate about their faith in Jesus. They are both very selfless about the giving of their talents and time and are very sincere and heartfelt people.
Michael and Amber have already been in St Louis with Layla for 1.5 weeks. The doctors cannot state how long her stay will be. Therefore, I have started this page on their behalf. The first couple of nights, Michael was able to stay in a sleep room inside the hospital, near the NICU that was sponsored by Ronald McDonald House. Those are set up in such a way that you have to sign up for a room each day. Currently there are over 80 babies in the NICU. Only 4 families each day are selected to get a room for the night and the rest are left to fend for themselves. Michael and Amber were able to get a room the first couple of nights, but since then they have been staying in discounted lodging on campus of the hospital that are available for patient families only. This has been convienent for them, because Layla has her scheduled feedings every 3 hours. Due to the doctors pre-birth assessment Michael assumed he would only be missing a few days of work. An extended stay away from home, in another city, and away from work were certainly not anticipated ahead of time. Both Michael and Amber need to be with Layla. This is why I am calling on their friends and family. Let's get together and help them by relieving some of the expenses associated with their extended stay in St Louis. They both need to be giving 100% of their attention to Layla and not on bills and finances. Any amount you are able to contribute would be greatly appreciated. In addition, I humbly ask you to please be in prayer for Michael, Amber, Luca, and Layla.
- Jay
Layla was born Wednesday, May 27th at about 1:08pm. The complications of her life began at her 20 week ultra sound. The doctors in Jefferson City noticed some abnormalities with Layla and decided it would be best to refer her on for additional ultrasounds and MRI's at different hospitals. One of the primary concerns (among many) was excess fluid in the brain that could cause very serious health problems. Over time, various concerns, including the fluid in the brain, were ruled out and Michael and Amber were told to expect no complications.
On Wednesday May 27th, Layla was born with Down Syndrome. In addition to that, what was concerning was a variety of serious health problems that presented themselves almost immediately after birth. Layla’s heart was only operating at half capacity and she was in respiratory distress. Her oxygen levels were very low and she was required to be on a large amount of supplemental oxygen. Due to the serious nature of these concerns, the doctors at St. Mary's felt it necessary to transport Layla to St. Louis Children’s Hospital via helicopter within hours after she was born. Michael and Amber were told to be prepared for various different findings, most which resulted in Layla having very serious surgeries. After several days, tests and prayer, Layla stabilized and was found to have no heart defects or physical respiratory problems. Layla was also found to be without many, if not all of the common physical health problems that are normally associated with Down Syndrome.
While this news was fantastic, there is still a lot of progress that needs to be made. One of the big concerns right now is Layla’s ability to eat on her own. Currently, she is taking some food orally and the rest is being administered via a feeding tube. Layla still remains moderately jaundiced and that does affect her eating habits as well. She is also still having trouble keeping her oxygen levels regulated, even though the doctors see no physical problems with her respiratory system. The doctors at St. Louis Children’s Hospital are expecting Layla to be admitted anywhere from 1 to 4 additional weeks. The doctors cannot be more specific on a timeframe because it solely depends on Layla’s eating habits and oxygen levels. As of June 5th, Layla has been losing weight and not eating as much, as often. While things can change at any time, she is not progressing as quickly as the doctors would like to see.
Michael and Amber Glavin:
For those of you who don't know Michael and Amber, I want to give you a brief description. I have known Michael and Amber for over 10 years and my wife has known them both for more than 20! To say that they are just our "friends" isn't quite accurate... They're family! They have been married for several years now and have a 14 month old son named Luca. Amber and Michael are great parents and are passionate about their faith in Jesus. They are both very selfless about the giving of their talents and time and are very sincere and heartfelt people.
Michael and Amber have already been in St Louis with Layla for 1.5 weeks. The doctors cannot state how long her stay will be. Therefore, I have started this page on their behalf. The first couple of nights, Michael was able to stay in a sleep room inside the hospital, near the NICU that was sponsored by Ronald McDonald House. Those are set up in such a way that you have to sign up for a room each day. Currently there are over 80 babies in the NICU. Only 4 families each day are selected to get a room for the night and the rest are left to fend for themselves. Michael and Amber were able to get a room the first couple of nights, but since then they have been staying in discounted lodging on campus of the hospital that are available for patient families only. This has been convienent for them, because Layla has her scheduled feedings every 3 hours. Due to the doctors pre-birth assessment Michael assumed he would only be missing a few days of work. An extended stay away from home, in another city, and away from work were certainly not anticipated ahead of time. Both Michael and Amber need to be with Layla. This is why I am calling on their friends and family. Let's get together and help them by relieving some of the expenses associated with their extended stay in St Louis. They both need to be giving 100% of their attention to Layla and not on bills and finances. Any amount you are able to contribute would be greatly appreciated. In addition, I humbly ask you to please be in prayer for Michael, Amber, Luca, and Layla.
- Jay
Organizer and beneficiary
Jay Gill
Organizer
Jefferson City, MO
Michael Glavin
Beneficiary