The Box Family

Ella Austin Box was born at 11:17pm on 1/9/24 at 39 weeks and 2 days. All of her tests, labs, and measurements during pregnancy pointed Alicia and Tom to believe they would be bringing home a healthy baby girl to big brother Colton.

Unfortunately, despite being full term, Ella showed signs of complications immediately after delivery and she was rushed to the NICU. Alicia and Tom received their first update on her condition at 2:30am and were unable to meet her until 6 hours after birth in the NICU where Ella had been intubated. It was unexpected and traumatizing.

It's been 9 days and we still don't have any answers despite Ella being transferred to a more equipped hospital and put through every test you could imagine. What we do know, is that her lungs look great, but she does not seem to have the drive to breathe on her own. Neurology has ruled out anything wrong with her brain. She also has had some difficulty eating and that is still being investigated. Ella does not act like a sick baby and has quite the reputation around the NICU for being "feisty". She is in the best care but we want to get her home to her family. We will post updates here as well but unfortunately, things change minute by minute.

Alicia and Tom are so grateful to have such wonderful friends and family who have reached out in an effort to offer aide, support, and healing thoughts.

We are asking that anyone who would like to help by donating do so here. Tom and Alicia have been traveling back and forth to Hartford multiple times per day and sometimes spending the night just to split time between Colton and Ella. The money will be used for the unexpected expenses such as gas, hospital parking, room rentals and medical expenses related to this turn of events.

Thank you to everyone who shares Ella's story or decides to donate in this trying time. Thank you to those who have already offered their help, support, and prayers during this difficult time.