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Raising for Richie

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I am asking for donations to help my best friend, Kathy, and her husband, Richard, during this trying time. On June 18, 2020 they welcomed their son Richie at 24 weeks and 3 days. He weighed 1lb 9oz and was 12 inches long. He was immediately taken to the NICU and put on a lot of support. At first, they were told his chances were 50/50. During his time at the wonderful University Of Chicago, he has had countless X-rays to check his lungs, ultrasounds to check on brain development, eye injections as he is at risk for his retinas detaching and oxygen support which he is still on today. As if that isn’t already enough, this little fighter has also had to endure numerous surgeries, one of which was to remove the tissue granulation around his vocal cords which developed as the result from being on a breathing tube. 

Richie has been growing and fighting hard in the NICU for the last four months and currently weighs 6lbs 7oz and is over 17 inches long! While he is still growing, he has had to remain on a breathing tube, he has not been able to learn to eat yet. He is still eating through a NG tube in his nose.  All his major organs are healthy, except for his lungs which are causing him to remain on a ventilator and oxygen support.  The doctors use the phrase “His lungs are sick”. He is going to go home for the first time on a ventilator and oxygen support which means he will need to have a tracheotomy. We have been given an estimated time frame of one to two years being on this support. Once he no longer needs the support, he will then need therapy to help teach him how to eat. This journey ahead of him will be long, but he has been a fighter since the day he came into this world!

Kathy and Richard are being prepared for a long road ahead of obstacles with his health and care. They will need home nursing and to learn how to care for baby Richie’s needs. There will be a lot of after care and therapy needed at least until the age of 7. Richie, even with all the odds against him, has continued to fight and thrive.  Obviously, none of this was ever envisioned and it has simply been day by day, but nevertheless, he is happy and fighting each day. 

Now let me fill you in on these remarkable parents! Prior to little Richie joining their family, they brought together their blended family. Kathy started as a single mom with her son Gianni, who is an autisitc, special young man. God simply could have not picked a more perfect gentile and patient mother. Kathy then met her amazing husband who was also a single dad. His daughter, the beautiful full-of-life, Alyssa, is another wonderful piece of their family. For those that have the pleasure of knowing them, it is crystal clear that even with all the challenges they are given, they never lose faith and stay as positive as ever.  

With all the stress they are already consumed with, they have been told that their home must pass inspection and be up to code for Richie to be safely transitioned to their home. With that being said, they purchased a fixer upper, which needs a lot of work, especially electrical. They currently have roughly 2 months to get this all-in order before Richie is sent home; therefore, I am asking to please donate if possible. Truly, no amount is too small. Please help me show them they are not alone in this long journey and that “Yes, it does take a village”.  Thank you in advance for the love and support for this amazing family. May God bless you all!

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Donations 

  • Megan Dyke
    • $200
    • 4 yrs
  • Jordan Patchett
    • $5
    • 4 yrs
  • Skye PIFFIER
    • $30
    • 4 yrs
  • blanca rios
    • $50
    • 4 yrs
  • Silvia Casanova Rodriguez
    • $200
    • 4 yrs
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Organizer and beneficiary

Alexis Rattray
Organizer
Munster, IN
Kathleen Rodriguez
Beneficiary

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