HELP THE LIGHTFOOT-REA TRIPLETS

Our family was given three tiny blessings on Thanksgiving Day, 2016.  At just 28 weeks and 2 days, Casie gave birth to identical triplets Harper, Kinsey and Evelyn, with husband Ethan by her side.  She had developed preeclampsia and was flown from Flagstaff to Phoenix where she was hospitalized for several weeks. After going into preterm labor Casie underwent an emergency C-section and due to her placenta growing into her organs had to have an complete hysterectomy. Despite the high risk nature of the pregnancy, Casie and Ethan felt incredibly blessed that they were pregnant with identical triplets naturally/spontaneous which is a one in a million occurrence.   Knowing the perplexity of the situation our family tried to prepare the best we could. However, nothing could have prepared us for what happened next.  At just 11 days old, Harper was stricken with NEC; an intestinal infection that premature infants can get and which NICU nurses and doctors are unsure of its origin or even a treatment.  At 1lb 15oz, Harper couldn't win the battle with NEC and passed away on December 5, 2016 in the arms of her loving parents. The doctors and nurses started precautionary measures on the remaining triplets, Kinsey and Evie.  Through prayer, family and medicine these two little girls are pulling through to show the world how strong they really are.  Kinsey and Evie have wonderful and caring nurses and family, but will be hospitalized for many weeks while they get strong enough and big enougth to go home.  The doctors have told Casie and Ethan that though they are looking good now, the girls are not out of the woods yet.  NICU staff say that they have a mantra in their department - "Never trust a premie".  This unpredictability, as well as the need breastmilk ( one of the factors doctors  believe helps to combat NEC), requires Casie and Ethan to be away from their home and jobs in Flagstaff to be near the babies in Phoenix.   The expenses associated with Casie's hospitalization, the babies care, the cost of relocating during these months of the girls' NICU stay as well as unknown future expenses are overwhelming.  We are asking our friends and family to reach out to their extended networks for their love, prayers and financial support.   With your help, Casie and Ethan can focus on Evie and Kinsey, big brother Rowen, as well as honoring Harper and her memory.