<div>Charley has always been the kind of person who is there for anyone in her life who needs her—generous, caring, and strong. Now, she’s facing a heartbreak none of us could have imagined. Yesterday, Charley’s husband, Aaron, was killed suddenly in a car crash. He was the sole provider for their family, and his loss has left Charley and their two young children not only grieving, but also facing an uncertain future. 
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Aaron was a great husband, father, friend, brother, and son. He was a hard-working man who was passionate about his family. He loved his wife and daughters fiercely. He could always make you laugh, and in this world, we needed a lot of laughter. His loss leaves an awful hole in our world, but nothing compared to the one it leaves in the lives of his family. With so much still unknown about any benefits from Aaron’s new job, the financial burden is overwhelming. 
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>The funds raised here will go directly toward covering funeral costs and helping Charley and her children with living expenses as they adjust to their new normal. Every donation, no matter the size, will make a real difference in helping them find stability and comfort during this incredibly difficult time. 
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div> Charley loved Aaron deeply, and her life moving forward will never be the same. If you’re able to help, please know that your kindness will never be forgotten. Supporting Charley now, as she has supported so many others, is a gift that will mean the world to her and her children.
</div>

Support Charley and Her Children

<div>It is with heavy hearts that we share the unexpected passing of our beloved Bowen Pinkston. He was an incredible father, a devoted and loving husband, a cherished son and brother, and a loyal friend to so many. He was a U.S. Army veteran who served as an infantry soldier. Bowen leaves behind his wife, Lyla, and their three young boys—August (3), and twin sons Shepherd and Lochlan (10 months). His family was his entire world, and he took great pride in providing for them, loving them deeply, and building a life filled with faith, joy, and purpose.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Bowen was full of life. He had a way of bringing energy, warmth, and steadiness to those around him. Whether as a husband, father, soldier or friend, he showed up wholeheartedly—with love, faith, and a steady presence that made people feel seen, supported, and cared for. While our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing Bowen is home with Jesus.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>As his family navigates this unimaginable loss, we are coming together to support Lyla and the boys during this incredibly difficult time. Lyla is a stay-at-home mom to their three boys, Shepherd, Lochlan, and August. The family relied on Bowen’s income as the sole provider. Your support is greatly needed. This generosity will help ease the financial burden and allow them the space to grieve, heal, and honor his life. Thank you for your prayers, love, and support during this time.
</div>

Support for the Pinkston Family

<div>New Orleans music is not just sound…it is history, survival, joy, and community passed from generation to generation. The Preservation Brass band stands firmly in this tradition, carrying the heartbeat of our city to audiences around the world.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>We as friends and fans of the band are honored to share that Preservation Brass and their album, <a href="https://www.nola.com/gambit/music/new-orleans-preservation-brass-releases-first-album-for-fatman/article_bfd0eae6-df22-11ef-be65-5b8b791c221a.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong><em>For Fat Man</em></strong></a>, have been nominated for a 2026 Grammy Award in the category of <a href="https://www.grammy.com/artists/preservation-brass/61565" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Best Regional Roots Music Album</strong></a>, a recognition that not only celebrates this group of musicians but also pays tribute to the late, great, always with us, percussionist <a href="https://thelensnola.org/2024/02/24/fatman-sets-the-pace/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Kerry “Fat Man” Hunter</strong></a>, who was a pillar of the community as a member of Preservation Brass and many local bands, and is featured prominently on this album.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Attending the Grammy Awards is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but the costs associated with airfare, lodging, tickets to the ceremony, and other travel incidentals are significant. As working musicians and culture bearers, these expenses are not easily absorbed without community support.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>This is where we hope YOU come in.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>While not all of the members of Preservation Brass will be attending the Grammys ceremony in Los Angeles on February 1st, we want to make sure that those who are available can get there without bearing the financial burden themselves. This includes <strong>Julius McKee</strong>, as well as <strong>Romanda Hunter</strong>, Kerry Hunter's widow, who will be attending the ceremony in his place.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>WHY THIS MATTERS</strong>
</div>
<div>These musicians represent:
</div>
<ul>
<li>The living tradition of New Orleans brass band music – heritage in <em>action</em>
</li>
<li>A community-rooted approach to music-making
</li>
<li>The cultural legacy of Black American Music that has shaped the world
</li>
<li>JOY! Pure, unadulterated joyful noise!
</li>
</ul>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>This Grammy nomination is not just about one night or one award. It's not even about winning. It is about <strong>visibility, respect,</strong> <strong>and recognition</strong> for a culture that has given so much and often received so little in return. It is about these musicians getting to witness <em>in person</em> their life's work being honored at the most prestigious event in the music world.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>HOW YOUR SUPPORT HELPS</strong>
</div>
<div>Funds raised will go directly toward:
</div>
<ul>
<li>Purchase of the band members' spouses' tickets to the Grammys, including tickets for the widow of Kerry "Fat Man" Hunter, who will be posthumously representing him at the ceremony
</li>
<li>Airfare for band members, their spouses, and Kerry Hunter's widow and her companion (4 people total)
</li>
<li>Hotel accommodations
</li>
<li>Transportation, meals, formal attire
</li>
<li>Income from missed work
</li>
</ul>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Every contribution, big or small, helps ensure that these members of Preservation Brass can show up fully, proudly, and, most importantly, <em>together, </em>with their families by their sides,<em> </em>to represent their city and their artistry on one of music’s biggest nights.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>This is a <em>COMMUNITY EFFORT</em></strong>
</div>
<div>New Orleans music has always been sustained by the community. From second lines to Sunday mass, from neighborhood parades to global stages, this music survives because people believe in it and it moves them.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>If this band, this city, or this music has ever moved you, inspired you, or brought you joy, we invite you to be part of this moment.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Thank you for supporting this fundraiser and for helping us carry New Orleans music where it belongs…into the spotlight, with dignity, unity, and love.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>With gratitude,
</div>
<div><em>Nat Gove, Norman Spence, Rebecca Duckert, Isabelle Guzman, Pamela Blackmon, Kahlon Davis, Mary Cormaci, Camille Barnett, Brittany Faller, Felli Maynard, Adachi Pimentel, Kristina Yacks, and Lyla George</em>
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>** THIS FUNDRAISER IS NOT AFFILIATED WITH PRESERVATION HALL OR PRESERVATION HALL FOUNDATION **</strong>
</div>

Get Members of Preservation Brass to the Grammys!

<div>Hi everyone! My name is Kirstin, and <strong>I am trying to raise $4,000 to cover part of a life-changing surgery that will cost over $20k.</strong> Unfortunately, my insurance completely excludes this procedure from coverage. BCBSLA refuses to cover any sort of orthognathic surgery unless it is a result of an accident and is a life or death situation.

</div>

<div><br />

</div>

<div>If you know me, you know that in the past 2+ years, I have been in both orthodontic treatment and myofunctional therapy for my bite issues that have impacted my sleeping, eating, and speaking habits. Before starting treatment, I have paid more than $4,500 out of pocket for these treatments. Unfortunately, these will not fully fix the issue alone. My orthodontist said that I need this surgery.

</div>

<div><br />

</div>

<div>The consultation with a surgeon from LSU OMFS suggested a triple jaw surgery, with a payment of $28.5k upfront. I have decided to get the most basic options available for just a <strong>double jaw surgery</strong> to help lower costs. They quoted me $15k-23k upfront, not including an additional $4,000 surgery center fee on the day of the surgery (and extra fees that you know doctors add on).

</div>

<div><br />

</div>

<div>As we all know, teachers are woefully underpaid. I will be taking out a personal loan and using every extra cent I have to cover what I can upfront. With my orthodontic treatment coming to an end in a few months, and my work schedule being what it is, <strong>I have to schedule the surgery for late May/early June.</strong> The upfront payment will likely be due in March/April.

</div>

<div><br />

</div>

<div>I am asking for help just covering the estimated surgery center fees of $4,000 so that I can focus on paying off the personal loan.

</div>

<div><br />

</div>

<div>Obviously, times are insane right now, with crazy inflation and more people than ever living paycheck to paycheck. But I figure I have always had such amazing support from my community, that it wouldn't hurt to put this information out there for anyone with the ability to help me out, whether it's just sharing this GoFundMe, offering verbal support, etc.

</div>

<div><br />

</div>

Help Kirstin Afford Life-Changing Jaw Surgery

<div>Hey everyone,

</div>

<div>I’m reaching out to ask for a little help for my dear friend Charlston — one of the most genuine, kind-hearted, and talented people I know. She’s an incredible musician who puts her whole soul into her music and into everyone around her. If you’ve ever seen her perform, you know the kind of energy and love she brings into a room.

</div>

<div><br />

</div>

<div>Unfortunately, Charlston’s been dealing with some serious dental issues that have become painful and are starting to affect her overall health and confidence. She needs surgery to take care of it, but the costs are more than she can manage right now. Like a lot of musicians, she’s been pushing through and putting her energy into her art and community — but now she really needs some support back.

</div>

<div><br />

</div>

<div>I’m hoping we can come together to help her get this surgery, relieve her pain, and bring that beautiful smile back. Every dollar will go directly toward her dental care and recovery, and anything you can give — even just sharing this post — means the world.

</div>

<div><br />

</div>

<div>Thank you all so much for reading and for caring. 

</div>

<div><br />

</div>

Charlston’s Dental Care Fund

<div>Hello, I’m a former educator who was laid off from my job of 4 years, in June 2025. Unfortunately, <strong>I’m a part of the 300,000 Black women laid off this year</strong>. Over $1500 was taken from me at the time of my departure from said workplace.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>I have been paying partial rent, phone bill ( for interviews and applications), and Gas/ Electric (on a payment plan), etc. with unemployment (new law states only 3 months payout now instead of 6). I have continued to apply for jobs daily and interview. I was hired for a job in August and unfortunately, with onboarding time and delays with fingerprinting clearance, I am expected to start at the beginning/mid of October, hopefully. Rest assured I have continued to apply and interview weekly.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>currently, my landlord is looking for rent and back rent since I’ve only been able to pay partially for several months. <strong>If not, I’ll have to find new housing asap.</strong> If you are able to donate, share, etc., it would be greatly appreciated.
</div>

Support a Dedicated Teacher Facing Hardship

<div><strong>It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of our beloved Mother, Great Grandmother, and Sister, Lora Charlene Allen.</strong> She left us unexpectedly due to lung cancer. She fought a long, courageous battle with cancer. Along the way, she also endured several strokes and the flu. Our family is now facing the emotional and financial burden of planning her funeral and saying our final goodbyes. <strong>Charlene was the heart of our family: kind, strong, and deeply loving. Her warmth, wisdom, and sense of humor touched everyone that knew her.</strong>

</div>

<div><br />

</div>

<div><strong>We are reaching out in this time of grief to ask for help in covering the funeral and burial costs.</strong> Our goal is to raise $10,000 to assist with the funeral service, casket, burial, and associated expenses.

</div>

<div><br />

</div>

<div><strong>Every donation, no matter the amount, will make a difference and help us give Charlene the farewell she deserves. If you are unable to give, please consider sharing the fundraiser with others who knew her or who might want to help a family in need. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your love, support, and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.</strong>

</div>

Support for Charlene's Final Farewell

<div>My name is Haruka Kikuchi, I am a Trombone player and full time musician in New Orleans, LA since 2014.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>NOW, my husband, Yoshitaka "Z2" Tsuji, is also a full time piano player based in New Orleans, he's been hospitalized in Japan since last week.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>He's had unknown stomach issue since this January, and lost 20 lbs. While he went to visit to his old parents in Japan after the New Orleans Jazz Fest (early May), then doctor found he has colon cancer and just took an emergency surgery on May 26th, removed 12 inches of his colon, including the tumor.
</div>
<div>Luckily not spread any other organ but he will need to take chemo soon, and we don't decide yet he will take these treatment in Japan or in New Orleans (and live with family here).
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>I add some situation about myself here,
</div>
<div>I've been dealing SSHL (Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss) since I woke up with heavy ear congestion and crazy veritgo on Halloween morning in 2024. Hearing aid does not work my case because I went almost completely deaf in my right ear. I can still work/play the music, but cannot talk with audience like when I used to do, simply I cannot hear your talking voice in any noisy public place, only quiet private space I can talk with people.
</div>
<div>Now I try EVERYTHING I can include some oriental therapy (like acupuncture/herbal medicine/moxibustion etc..), before I'll decide to get cochlear implant surgery.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>We are not financially emergency situation for now, but since we both are live musicians (gig workers) so we'd appreciate any help you can, (and also want to share our current situation with our friends/fans, thank you!)
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Thank you so much for reading this, hope everyone has a great day today!
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Haruka
</div>

Help Haruka and Yoshitaka Overcome Health Challenges

<div>Help Shannon Powell “King of Treme” through his Road to Recovery
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>On Sunday, August 4th, New Orleans’ beloved Shannon Powell “King of Treme”—a New Orleans icon, culture bearer, world famous drummer, husband, father, grandfather, friend, and instructor—suffered a devastating medical emergency. The incident occurred while on his way to make groceries, and by the grace of god he was able to pull over and avoid causing any more harm to himself or others. Within minutes, his wife arrived on the scene, and swiftly transported Shannon to UMC, where he was met by a remarkable trauma team.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Upon his arrival, the medical staff discovered Shannon had suffered a hemorrhagic stroke, caused by bleeding in the brain. While administering life saving care for the initial medical emergency, Shannon then suffered a heart attack that reduced his heart function down to 20%, resulting in congestive heart failure and leaving him with numerous blood clots.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Currently, Shannon remains in recovery surrounded by his family; he is thankful to be alive but faces a challenging and uncertain road to recovery.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>We are reaching out through this GoFundMe campaign to seek your support for Shannon’s numerous financial needs during this incredibly difficult time.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>The funds raised will be used to cover:
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>-Loss of Income: As Shannon, provider for his household, is unable to work, we need assistance to cover his lost wages.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>-Medical Expenses: The cost of emergency care, surgeries, and ongoing treatment.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>-Long-Term Care: Future medical needs, rehabilitation and continued home health care as he works towards recovery.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Shannon Powell has always been a fixture in the New Orleans music and culture bearer community and an inspiration to drummers across the world. While his journey ahead is daunting, we are deeply grateful that he is still with us. Your prayers and well-wishes are greatly appreciated as we navigate this challenging period.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Please consider contributing to Shannon’s fund and sharing his story with others. Any support, whether financial or emotional, means the world to us. We will continue to provide updates on his condition as he progresses.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Thank you for your love kindness, generosity, and for standing by Shannon during his time of need. It takes a village.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>*financial transparency statement from the Powell family:
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>This campaign is to raise funds for the beneficiary, Lucritia Powell, Shannon’s wife and partner of 50+ years.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>All funds raised will be used solely to support Shannon and his family financially. This will include: uncovered medical bills, rehabilitation costs, personal bills, short term and long term and ongoing care. 
</div>

Support Shannon Powell's “King of Treme” Road to Recovery

<div>As many of you already know, my brother Josiah’s daughter, Dylan René, was originally diagnosed with Hypoplastic Acute Myeloid Leukemia. After additional testing, her diagnoses has been updated to identify the pre-cursor to the leukemia as ‘Fanconi Anemia’ (a rare blood disorder) which has led to bone marrow failure in conjunction with leukemia. She’s been admitted to St. Jude’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN, and will be there for a current projection of six months, but a lot is still to be determined as this journey is only just beginning. 

</div>

<div><br />

</div>

<div>Here’s a link to Josie’s original Facebook post with more details: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/G1Ph9EbHsXbB4MAE?mibextid=WC7FNe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/G1Ph9EbHsXbB4MAE/?mibextid=WC7FNe" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.facebook.com/share/p/G1Ph9EbHsXbB4MAE/?mibextid=WC7FNe</a></a>

</div>

<div><br />

</div>

<div><br />

</div>

<div>St. Jude’s has been incredibly supportive in so many ways, including covering all of Dylan’s medical expenses, travel expenses, and providing housing for the duration of her treatment. Nonetheless, there are still many other expenses to be accounted for, as life doesn’t just stop when these circumstances arise. Your donations will go toward various expenses while at St. Jude’s, including covering bills back home, and helping to lessen any extra financial strain during however many months they are there, battling with and for Dylan. 

</div>

<div><br />

</div>

<div>The outpouring of love and support has already been astounding and touching, and it will continue to be so important, especially during these next months. These situations provide the opportunity to support those closest to it with an outpouring of love, kindness, prayers, and peace of mind through financial means. Please donate if you can, and keep the love, vibes, and prayers coming. 

</div>

<div><br />

</div>

<div>If preferred, you’re welcome to send donations via an alternative method, as listed below. 

</div>

<ul>

<li>Venmo: @josiahmenard

</li>

<li>Cashapp: $josiahmenard

</li>

<li>PayPal: @josiahmenard

</li>

</ul>

Expenses During Dylan’s Leukemia Treatment

<div>On Friday June 14th, Kelly Rogers passed away unexpectedly. To know kelly was to love her. She was the type of person that never met a stranger. She loved vastly and deeply!
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Kelly was a friend, a daughter and most importantly a mother. 
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Kelly left behind her 5 year old son, Rivers.  Rivers has big dreams of becoming an LSU baseball player. We are asking for donations to go towards his future in whatever that looks like when he comes to age! 
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Thank you
</div>

Supporting Rivers' Dreams in Memory of Kelly

<div>Hi, my name is Will Smith, I'm a trumpet player from New Orleans. I was born in 1962 and came up in the true sense of the New Orleans tradition being mentored by the likes of Danny Barker, The Fairview Baptist Church brass band, Doc Paulin's, The Olympia, Pinstripe, Lil Rascals, Treme, Storyville Stompers brass bands. I started hanging around Preservation Hall in my early childhood and was hugely influenced by the many artist that performed there including Percy and Willie Humphrey, Sweet Emma, Sing Miller, Kid Sheik, Kid Simmons and many more.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Another important aspect of my life is a dedication to service. I've been a Special Eduction teacher in the public school system for 30 years.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Two years ago I was diagnosed with Parkinson's and it has taken a profound affect on every aspect of my life. My daily activities have now become a constant struggle and most importantly, it has limited my ability to play music. The nonstop shaking caused by the tremor in my left arm and hand makes it impossible for me to hold my trumpet in a normal manner. Playing music is my whole world and its means everything to me. Imagine trying to make a phone call, scramble an egg or drink a glass of water while involuntary shaking all the time. This is what Parkinson's does to you. It has left me unable to perform my life's love.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>I've been under the care of Movement Disorder Specialist and Neurological Doctors. I have spent the last two years going to doctors offices, taking various medications designed for Parkinson's Disease, none of which has had any positive affect on my tremors.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>There is however hope. There are currently a variety of amazing procedures that have a positive effect on many people who suffer with Parkinson's. These procedures could significantly reduce or eliminate my tremors, slowness and stiffness once again allowing me to play my horn. However this life changing procedure that is being recommended to me is very expensive. My insurance will only cover a minimal amount of the total cost, leaving me where I am, asking for your help.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>I don't have the finances to pay for the procedure which will  make a drastic difference in in my life. The simple fact is, I just want to be able to play my horn and live my life without tremors.
</div>

Will Smith vs. Parkinson's

<div>Shannon Ferguson was sentenced to 60 years in prison for a rock of cocaine the size of a coarse grain of salt. For Mr. Ferguson, who was 52 when he was arrested, this meant he would die in prison. 
</div>
<div> 
</div>
<div>Mr. Ferguson represented himself in this case, filing his own motions, examining witnesses, and arguing his position without the advice of counsel. When he was convicted, the trial court sentenced him to decades above the mandatory minimum sentence.
</div>
<div> 
</div>
<div>After 11 years, 3 months, and 7 days, Mr. Ferguson is finally free.  Please help us welcome him home by contributing to his GoFundMe or buying an item from his wish list.
</div>
<div> 
</div>
<div>Thanks to our partners at The First 72+ for collaborating with IPNO’s Client Services Division to provide wraparound re-entry support to Mr. Ferguson.   Mr. Ferguson is the 64th person IPNO has freed since 2001. 
</div>
<div><br />
</div>

Shannon Ferguson’s Freedom Fund

<div>Dear family and friends,
</div>
<div>We have been holding on to a secret for quite some time now!
</div>
<div>WE’RE EXPECTING A BABYGIRL
</div>
<div>We would’ve announced this sooner, but due to unexpected complications we had decided it was best until we got more answers. Sadly, these answers led us here.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>So.. here’s our story:
</div>
<div>Easter Day we found out we were EGG-specting! We went through the emotions every first time parent experiences.. the fear, the excitement, the ups, the downs, the all arounds.
</div>
<div>But what we didn’t know is that the unexpected didn’t stop there.
</div>
<div>The couple pictured was so excited for this next chapter of their lives and couldn’t wait to announce the news about welcoming our little one into the world..
</div>
<div>But that all changed July 29th.
</div>
<div>Unfortunately, our nightmare began when we went for our anatomy scan that day. The results showed that our lil one had issues fully growing the lower left arm limb, so it is shorter than normal; there also appears to only be one bone that developed there, and on the viewing of the 3D ultrasound she appears to have a cleft hand as well. There was nothing we could do about that as the limbs were already fully developed at this point.
</div>
<div>Brain development looked all perfectly normal along with organs, blood flow, etc
</div>
<div>Heart beat was, and still is, at 158 (which is good), but she is weighing 3 weeks behind so they diagnosed her as an IUGR baby which means she isn’t growing in size like she’s supposed to be at her gestational age which can lead to problems like: birthing complications, respiratory issues, neurological issues, etc. (look it up for more information).
</div>
<div>But what they were really worried about is that scans showed a severely recessed chin, which is called Micrognathia. This raised questions on the development of the trachea and if she was going to have difficulties breathing when born. An MRI confirmed these concerns to be actual, so we’ve had to meet with surgeons and other specialist to discuss our birthing options.
</div>
<div>They decided her best option is what’s called an Ex Utero Intrapartum Treatment (EXIT) procedure. This procedure is a special technique where baby is partially delivered through an incision while remaining attached to the placenta. Anesthesia keeps the uterus soft and relaxed, which allows the placenta to continue to work. The procedure preserves uteroplacental gas exchange so that baby can continue to receive oxygen and nutrients from mom while the surgical team works to establish an airway that will permit babygirl to breathe and obtain oxygen once delivered.
</div>
<div>To establish this airway they will first attempt inserting a breathing tube, but if that is unable to fit they will have to preform a tracheotomy.
</div>
<div>Just when we thought things couldn’t get any more scary and complicated our specialist discovered an abnormality in the blood flow in the umbilical cord which means my placenta is giving out (this could explain the fetal growth restriction).
</div>
<div>Being that I’m 28 weeks and she is already falling behind on growth this puts her at an even higher risk.
</div>
<div>Especially since the placenta is what was going to provide her oxygen during the EXIT procedure.
</div>
<div>So as of right now, we are going every week to check on her growth, movement, blood flow, the amniotic fluid, etc, and trying to allow her to stay with mommy as long as she can to give her a better chance.
</div>
<div>Unfortunately, doctors don’t know how long the placenta will let that happen for, so we can be having babygirl any week now and we are not in the least bit prepared!!
</div>
<div>[I’ve also recently been informed that I have gestational diabetes just to sprinkle that on top of everything]
</div>
<div>I discussed a registry and a baby shower with our surgeon this week to figure out what we even need for her to come home, but she looked at us and told us our best option is to wait until after she’s born. So, we decided our “baby shower” will be a donation center to help us get prepared for any expenses, whether that’s for the surgery’s and needed equipment, or a proper way to lay our sweet girl to rest..
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>We’re not normally ones to ask for help, but this is becoming too much for us to handle on our own.
</div>
<div>Just know that ANY-thing will be appreciated more than words can ever explain.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>In the meantime,
</div>
<div>We just ask that you please keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we begin this journey of the unknown and every parents worst nightmare.
</div>
<div>We just want our babygirl to be happy, not to suffer, and to know she’s loved by SO many.
</div>
<div>If you know me and Tyler you know this baby is born to be a fighter
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>I also want to thank our amazing support system of family, friends, and doctors. We couldn’t do this without y’all
</div>
<div>We love each and every one of y’all❤️
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>And to our sweet lil bb- mommy and daddy love you so much. We wish more than anything that we could trade places with you. You bring a different kind of love to our lives and we are so beyond thankful for every single moment we have with you
</div>
<div>We will get through this! Keep fighting Babygirl 
</div>

Brittany Faller