Hi Friends, My niece Gianna Lynn, (Gigi), was born 5 and a half weeks premature on November 29, 2015.  After a traumatic delivery, she was rushed to Children’s Hospital in St. Paul.  She then spent the next 22 days in the NICU connected to a feeding tube, as they tried to get her to eat.  After celebrating finally getting to come home right before Christmas, she ended up back in the hospital for the second time with a low temperature, low blood sugar and vomiting.  She stayed for 5 days to be monitored and was then diagnosed with reflux.  After being sent home she once again had a low temperature, trouble eating, and more vomiting. She was hospitalized for the third time for another 5 days.  Gigi was finally diagnosed with Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency.  This is a hormonal disorder and she will need to be on meds for this condition for the rest of her life.  Allison and Casey were taught to give her injections of cortisol if she were to get really sick.  They were then sent home.  The next day Gigi was lethargic, had to receive an injection and Allison was advised to call 911. The ambulance brought her back to Children’s for her fourth hospitalization.   She was there for 7 more days to be monitored and to gain weight.  Gianna is now back home and has weekly home visits from a nurse.  She will have to be monitored closely by her endocrinologist, neurologist, pediatrician
for the rest of her life.  During this stressful time, Allison has had to take a leave from her job to be with Gianna in the hospital.  After returning home, her place of employment, General Sam's caught on fire and is a total loss, leaving Allison without a job.  Casey had been recently laid off and now is working 4 hours away.  It is very difficult for him to be away from his wife and newborn baby, but he must work to support his family.  As you can imagine, the medical bills are piling up and this sweet new family of three can really use your help.  Please consider donating to the Engelke family.  Any donation no matter how large or how small will be greatly appreciated.  We also thank you for your prayers for Baby Gianna.  We hope she remains stable, happy, healthy baby.  Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!