A Heart Worth Helping... Baby Gabriel

Dear Family & Friends,

When I first asked Shelly and Nathan if I could start a GoFundMe for them they said, "We're just really conflicted on asking for money."

I agree that asking can be challenging and may strike everyone differently. Whether you are able to give a $1 or a prayer, both will be ever cherished.

On Friday, July 21st Shelly went into her O.B. for a routine checkup. Her amniotic fluid was low, and they admitted her to the hospital. Shortly after being admitted, they let her know that her c-section would be just a few short hours away. This was 19 days earlier than their scheduled c-section for the third week of August.

It came as a surprise and this was not without worry and tears. Nathan was able to get off of work and made it down to Denver in time to be there with Shelly and meet their son together.

Gabriel Isaac Martin Frihauf was born on July 21st at 4 pounds 15 ounces. He’s little but he’s been a fighter since he was conceived.

Gabriel was diagnosed with an omphalocele and a heart defect while in Eutero. But his place in the world, Mom and Dad's hearts, and our family, is undeniable.

The surgery to close his abdominal wall (omphalocele) was successful at 1 day old and was as easy as surgery can be on a newborn and he continues to recover well from it.

At 4 days old, Gabriel's cardiologist made an attempt at opening the blockage in his heart. It ended up bringing mixed news. After the procedure, he was doing well but things took a turn for the worst when Gabriel's lactic acid levels skyrocketed. It was a bleak couple of days as Gabriel slowly healed and his levels lowered. He is still recovering from this episode and is being monitored very closely.

Doctors will attempt to get more imaging of His heart and will be able to give Shelly and Nathan a better idea of what future treatment will look like. Thanks be to God that Gabriel is still fighting. He clearly has more fights than one would think could fit in such a tiny body.

Gabriel's heart still needs medical attention. He is being covered in prayers, love, and good medical care while he just works on putting on weight and getting strong enough for a second heart procedure. This may look like a second attempt at opening the blockage with a catheter, or it may look like a heart transplant.

Luckily, there are no medical bills that need to be covered because of good medical insurance. Though Nathan provides great insurance for his family, I am reaching out to our loved ones in hopes of helping give them more time in the hospital with baby Gabriel while he awaits treatment for his heart. It is looking like the stay in PICU could be anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. Being together, right now, is what they need to get through this.

Would you be willing to help fund their stay and help cover some of their bills while they focus on being there for each other and for their new baby?

You are all so appreciated, thank you so much for considering donating.