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Our family is so new, but already we are faced with extreme challenges. Most of all heartbreak. Please help us to support the needs we face now and in the future.
At 4lbs, our baby boy suffered a massive stroke and faces major brain damage as a result. As the blood begins to disipate, we will only slightly understand the physical and cognitive challenges that will plague him for the rest of his life. We are blessed to have him in our lives, and thankful to God that he seems to be responding to his treatments.
However, to provide him with the care that he needs means sacrifices we were never prepaired to face. Therapy and medical specialists even so young, is only the beginning.
Money is tight, and we don't want our family to be in the throws of financial dispair - or make decisions based on fear for our financial future rather then what is in the best interest of our children.
Please help us to keep our family going. The support and love of family near and far is the miracle we pray for.
In our darkest hour we must ask you for help.
The diagnosis:
James became sick after 2.5 weeks in the NICU and 48 hrs at home. He suffered extreme dehydration which formed blood clots in his brain. Clots plugged every vein in use and even unused. As a result there was massive hemroging, a stroke that would have killed the average adult. Fortunately his soft skull was able to sustain the swelling from the irritation.
The clots were discovered after suffering majors seziures. It was after the MRI that they found the bleeding and the brain damage, as well as a large cyst on his right frontal lobe.
Blood thinners and anti seziure medication was the only thing that saved his life. At 4lbs the blood thinners gave him a 70% chance of survival. Thankfully while there is no indication of blood reduction, he is not suffering further hemroging. Time is the only medication now. Time for the clots to loosen and allow the blood to drain.
The neurologist was candid with us by day 5. They suggested that based on the damage already indicated by the MRI, he is likely to have loss of motor function. What remains to be seen is whether this has impaired his cognitive functions. While he may never be able to hold a cup of water, the question that now remains is whether or not he will want too.
The immediate future:
When our sweet baby James comes home he will continue the medication that is saving his life. He will take blood thinners twice a day, a shot in his thigh. He will take anti-seziure medication by mouth and more then likely caffeine to offset his bradycardia. He will need constant care to manage any seziures and will begin physical therapy as soon as he is able. James will undergo consistant MRIs and brain ultrasounds to track the reduction of fluid build up. If he is unable to drain the blood himself, he will have to have surgery to relieve the pressure.
... but he will be home.
Our family:
What you may not know is James is a twin. Jaclyn was born 2 minutes before her younger brother. She is doing well and we are blessed with a healthy baby girl.
Their older brother is Lawrence. He turned 4, 2 days after they were born. He is bright, thoughtful and caring. We could not be more pleased with how he is doing in the wake of these events.
Adam and I, Lawrell are scared parents. Beyond that, we fell in love 6 years ago, have been married for almost 5. Adam is a Foreman and I am a Prepress Tech. We hold each other at night, surrending to the emotions held at bay during the day.
At 4lbs, our baby boy suffered a massive stroke and faces major brain damage as a result. As the blood begins to disipate, we will only slightly understand the physical and cognitive challenges that will plague him for the rest of his life. We are blessed to have him in our lives, and thankful to God that he seems to be responding to his treatments.
However, to provide him with the care that he needs means sacrifices we were never prepaired to face. Therapy and medical specialists even so young, is only the beginning.
Money is tight, and we don't want our family to be in the throws of financial dispair - or make decisions based on fear for our financial future rather then what is in the best interest of our children.
Please help us to keep our family going. The support and love of family near and far is the miracle we pray for.
In our darkest hour we must ask you for help.
The diagnosis:
James became sick after 2.5 weeks in the NICU and 48 hrs at home. He suffered extreme dehydration which formed blood clots in his brain. Clots plugged every vein in use and even unused. As a result there was massive hemroging, a stroke that would have killed the average adult. Fortunately his soft skull was able to sustain the swelling from the irritation.
The clots were discovered after suffering majors seziures. It was after the MRI that they found the bleeding and the brain damage, as well as a large cyst on his right frontal lobe.
Blood thinners and anti seziure medication was the only thing that saved his life. At 4lbs the blood thinners gave him a 70% chance of survival. Thankfully while there is no indication of blood reduction, he is not suffering further hemroging. Time is the only medication now. Time for the clots to loosen and allow the blood to drain.
The neurologist was candid with us by day 5. They suggested that based on the damage already indicated by the MRI, he is likely to have loss of motor function. What remains to be seen is whether this has impaired his cognitive functions. While he may never be able to hold a cup of water, the question that now remains is whether or not he will want too.
The immediate future:
When our sweet baby James comes home he will continue the medication that is saving his life. He will take blood thinners twice a day, a shot in his thigh. He will take anti-seziure medication by mouth and more then likely caffeine to offset his bradycardia. He will need constant care to manage any seziures and will begin physical therapy as soon as he is able. James will undergo consistant MRIs and brain ultrasounds to track the reduction of fluid build up. If he is unable to drain the blood himself, he will have to have surgery to relieve the pressure.
... but he will be home.
Our family:
What you may not know is James is a twin. Jaclyn was born 2 minutes before her younger brother. She is doing well and we are blessed with a healthy baby girl.
Their older brother is Lawrence. He turned 4, 2 days after they were born. He is bright, thoughtful and caring. We could not be more pleased with how he is doing in the wake of these events.
Adam and I, Lawrell are scared parents. Beyond that, we fell in love 6 years ago, have been married for almost 5. Adam is a Foreman and I am a Prepress Tech. We hold each other at night, surrending to the emotions held at bay during the day.