Let me introduce you to my strong nephew Ira. Ira was born at 24 weeks at 1lb. 10 oz being born this prematurely brings with it a number of different challenges some of which are: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) (requires Ira to be on oxygen 24/7), pulmonary hypertension, developmental challenges, G tube feeding, vision impairment, and many other long term challenges.
Ira was doing so well and responding great to his therapy, however, he took a turn for the worse and is back in the hospital. He was diagnosed with Human metapneumovirus (hMPV). A devastating respiratory virus especially for kids like Ira.
On Friday Jan 29th, Ira was placed on VV ECMO which is essentially a lung bypass procedure to shut his lungs down so they do not get damaged any further. They place a blood circuit in his jugular vein and machines do all the work his lungs would otherwise do--oxygenation, Co2 removal, etc. While there are risks of bleeding, stroke, etc. at this point, the benefits out weight the risks.
Assuming all goes well and Ira is able to recover, later in 2016 he will need to have heart surgery to repair a hole in his heart and eye surgery to help his vision.
With the continued need for specialized visits and medications, insurance caps will be met and it will be very difficult to provide Ira with the care he needs.
The donations will help with:
1. Medical expenses
2. Specialized Dr. visits
3. Specialized formula
4. Ongoing required surgeries
5. Ongoing Occupational and Physical Therapy Treatments
6. Travel Expenses
It is an uphill battle for this little kid but he is fighting and we are fighting right beside him. Your donations will help him and his family beat this.
I asked Evan and Lindsey to share a couple thougths:
"We can't adequately express how grateful we are for the out pouring of love and support we have felt over the last two years. This is hands down the most difficult trial we have been through. That said, never before in my life have we felt so very close to heaven. It seems it is in times of complete helplessness the heavens open and allow us to glimpse in so that we do not lose all hope. The other day when we arrived to Ira's room, despite the tremendous amounts of sedatives he is on, he reached for our hands opened his eyes as if to say...if you'll fight on a little longer, so will I.
Our hearts are full of gratitude for your prayers, fasting and pleading on behalf of our family and Ira. I wish I had the words to describe the immense love we feel when we are able to be with Ira. While he was born with an imperfect body, his soul is bright and beautiful and determined."
Thank you for your support, concern, and willingness to help Ira overcome and again come home to his Mom, Dad and brothers.
Ira was doing so well and responding great to his therapy, however, he took a turn for the worse and is back in the hospital. He was diagnosed with Human metapneumovirus (hMPV). A devastating respiratory virus especially for kids like Ira.
On Friday Jan 29th, Ira was placed on VV ECMO which is essentially a lung bypass procedure to shut his lungs down so they do not get damaged any further. They place a blood circuit in his jugular vein and machines do all the work his lungs would otherwise do--oxygenation, Co2 removal, etc. While there are risks of bleeding, stroke, etc. at this point, the benefits out weight the risks.
Assuming all goes well and Ira is able to recover, later in 2016 he will need to have heart surgery to repair a hole in his heart and eye surgery to help his vision.
With the continued need for specialized visits and medications, insurance caps will be met and it will be very difficult to provide Ira with the care he needs.
The donations will help with:
1. Medical expenses
2. Specialized Dr. visits
3. Specialized formula
4. Ongoing required surgeries
5. Ongoing Occupational and Physical Therapy Treatments
6. Travel Expenses
It is an uphill battle for this little kid but he is fighting and we are fighting right beside him. Your donations will help him and his family beat this.
I asked Evan and Lindsey to share a couple thougths:
"We can't adequately express how grateful we are for the out pouring of love and support we have felt over the last two years. This is hands down the most difficult trial we have been through. That said, never before in my life have we felt so very close to heaven. It seems it is in times of complete helplessness the heavens open and allow us to glimpse in so that we do not lose all hope. The other day when we arrived to Ira's room, despite the tremendous amounts of sedatives he is on, he reached for our hands opened his eyes as if to say...if you'll fight on a little longer, so will I.
Our hearts are full of gratitude for your prayers, fasting and pleading on behalf of our family and Ira. I wish I had the words to describe the immense love we feel when we are able to be with Ira. While he was born with an imperfect body, his soul is bright and beautiful and determined."
Thank you for your support, concern, and willingness to help Ira overcome and again come home to his Mom, Dad and brothers.
Organizer and beneficiary
Evan Jones
Beneficiary