Joey’s Journey

You go through life and you hope to never have to create one of these for someone you love... But here we are. My name is Sarah and I am writing to you on behalf of my brother Jake, sister-in-law Marissa and the newest addition to their family, Joey.

It was detected early on in utero that Joey has an AV canal defect. They were referred to Boston's Childrens Hospital where they spent the past several months with early mornings and lots of time off from work, traveling back and forth from their home in West Suffield, CT. Marissa and Jake were hopeful however, to have a successful pregnancy and delivery. There was/is nothing they wouldn't do for their boy. Until a week and a half ago when Marissa started experiencing extreme swelling and knew something was up. She went to her routine check up and quickly the doctors on her team realized it was go time.

Joey was born on Friday, June 16th at 34 weeks gestation, 1 day shy of his dad's 33rd birthday and 2 days shy of Fathers Day. Talk about the best gift you could ever receive.

Joey was born with an AV canal defect but mom and dad were hopeful with surgery and a life long pacemaker there was hope for their little boy to live a long, healthy life. It was soon discovered that Joey also has heterotaxy syndrome, kidneys not functioning as they should, and hydrops. A very complex case that not even the best childrens hospital in the world has ever seen.

Marissa was discharged from Brigham and Women's in Boston and now Jake and Marissa are staying in Boston to be close to Joey. They spend their days by his side. Reading, singing and talking to their baby, Joey. Talking to doctors, exhausting their minds with ideas and possible solutions. Taking short walks for fresh air. Their whole world on pause to be there for their little boy while he fights for his life.

They need our help to spread awareness about Joey's Journey. Maybe someone out there knows of other special cases like Joey's, maybe there's more doctors out there with similar complex experiences. Joey needs our help and attention.

Please pray for Joey. We have hope and trust in God for his healing.

Thank you for all your support.