Baby Eli

For those of you that don't know me, my name is Megan and this story is about my brother Kyle, his wife Paige and the baby boy they are expecting in August, Eli.

On a routine ultrasound while waiting to hear the gender of their baby, they received some unexpected news about their precious baby boy

Their doctor described that Eli has an abdominal wall defect called an omphalocele ( read more here ) , where some of the internal organs, intestines, liver or other organs develop outside of the body. Paige and Kyle were immediately transferred for care to Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston. They have learned much about the condition, outcomes and even how to pronounce “omphalocele”. But, collectively, we have decided to call it his “Power Pack”.  Well....because it makes Eli sound like a superhero, which we are sure he will be (and it makes it easier for the rest of us who can’t quite pronounce it.)

Through additional ultrasounds and MRIs, Paige and Kyle now know that Eli’s Power Pack is large and contains most of his liver and some of his intestines. The pediatric surgeon says that Eli will be in the NICU until he is stable, then there will be therapies in the hospital and at home for up to two years to allow for the abdomen to grow and finally surgery(s) to put the organs back in the body.

While there is the possibility of additional developmental issues, a lot depends on Eli’s condition when he is born. Outcomes for babies with Eli’s type of Power Pack are good and with the prayers and support of many we are hopeful that by the time Eli is in kindergarten this will just be a story to tell. Nevertheless, we have to be realistic and know that it will be a difficult beginning.

So here's how you can help....
As you can imagine, caring for Eli and his “Power Pack” for up to two years, let alone a high-risk birth, NICU stay and in-home medical care, will create a significant financial burden for this young family.

My brother and his wife are amazing individuals and they are already facing this with incredible grace and strength, but they need your help. Any monies raised will be used solely for hospital costs for Paige and Eli and to cover Eli’s care.

Thank you for taking the time to read this story. Please consider a donation if you can and most of all, please pray for Paige, Kyle, Eli, and for the skillful healing hands of the doctors and nurses at Texas Children’s Hospital.