Against the Auds

Audrey Burgess' Medical Fund

Dear friends,

My name is Megan and I am reaching out to you today on behalf of many because we want to tell you about our dear friends Robin & Bill and their beautiful daughter Audrey. Life hasn't been easy for her and her incredible family (including Big Sister Zoё), and we're rallying together to support them on their challenging journey. We hope you'll join us in raising funds to cover the mounting medical expenses they're facing.

Audrey's Journey:

Amidst a storm of family illnesses and unexpected financial burdens, Audrey was born on May 19, 2022. Just hours after her birth, seizures struck, and she was whisked away to McMaster's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). And so began a challenging four-month hospital stay with a rollercoaster of emotions for Robin and Bill. Audrey’s life is shaping up to be a journey of system-navigation, as Robin and Bill work their way through social programs, medical treatments, and therapeutic interventions to support Audrey’s physical and mental health and development.

Financial Struggles:

Life has dealt them some tough cards. They faced eviction during the pandemic resulting in having to move and incur a $600 spike in rent due to lack of rental availability and real estate. As soon as they moved into their new apartment they discovered a persistent infestation that lasted almost a year, forcing them to throw away cherished possessions, replace most of their belongings, and pay for repairs. Moving again was not an option as the real estate prices continued to skyrocket. All these unexpected expenses drained their emergency funds right when they needed them the most.

Mounting Expenses:

Audrey's NICU stay came with its own set of financial challenges. From purchasing a pricey breast pump because breastfeeding wasn't possible, to the daily 50km trips from Mississauga to Hamilton (gas prices were crazy high that summer!), Robin and Bill's expenses skyrocketed. To make matters worse, Bill had to go back to work and face reduced wages due to an HR error. Amidst all of this, the family suffered a bout of COVID-19, a broken fridge (which ruined all of Audrey’s carefully cooled medications and months' worth of freezer meals), and an error in the Service Canada system resulting in a stoppage to Robin’s maternity leave payments. It seemed like the universe was playing a cruel joke on them.

Ongoing Needs:

Audrey's diagnosis finally arrived—she has a severe genetic condition that requires lifelong care. Medications weren't covered upfront by insurance, and sourcing Audrey's specialized formula (she was given a feeding tube in August) continues to be a real challenge due to formula shortages. They are now in dire need of essential equipment like a bath chair, a positioning chair for supported eating, a supported stander for physiotherapy,a customized adaptive car seat, a customized adaptive stroller or wheelchair, as well as accessibility modifications to their van and apartment, etc. Insurance will only be covering a fraction of these costs. Additional challenges Robin and Bill are now trying to sort out:

Upcoming Expenses:

Hopeful Future:

Robin, Bill, and their girls have remained resilient through all these ups and downs. They're determined to give Audrey the best life possible, but they need our help. By supporting this fund, you're ensuring that Audrey receives the care she deserves, despite the financial and bureaucratic roadblocks. Your contribution will make a tangible difference in her life, helping her thrive and conquer obstacles with her unstoppable spirit.

Help with the Fund:

We know times are tough, and everyone has their own battles to fight, but we believe in the power of our community to come together and create miracles. Your support—whether through a donation, sharing this campaign, or even offering a shoulder to lean on—means the world to Audrey and her family. Every act of kindness brings us closer to our goal.