Baby Harrison - Trisomy 18
Donation protected
My name is Patrick Stamatelos. I live near McGregor, IA with my girlfriend Diana, her daughter Mya, and our son Lincoln. We have another child on the way, a boy we've named Harrison. He is due in April.
Harrison has been diagnosed with Full Trisomy 18. This means he has three copies of chromosome 18, instead of the normal two copies. Since chromosomes act as the blueprint for a baby's development, the extra genetic material causes a number of defects.
Harrison has been shown, via ultrasound, to have an open nueral tube defect, which means his spinal cord and brain failed to develop correctly. He also has a hernia in his stomach, and possible heart defects as well.
The statistics paint a dismal picture. Of children born with this condition, about 50% are still born, and those who survive birth have an average life span of 5 to 7 days. Less than 10% will ever see their first birthday. Care for the condition is supportive.
This is not the future we saw when we first recieved the news of a new baby. Our hopes and dreams for the future now consist of spending as much time with our son as possible before he is gone.
I am asking for donations to our family. This will ensure that if and when the time comes, I am able to provide my son with end of life care, and a proper resting place. It will also help me be able to take off work to be with my family during this difficult time, by providing general life needs such as rent, groceries, gas, etc. Any amount you are able to give will go a long way in helping me achieve these goals. Thank you for reading my story. If you are personally unable to donate, please share this page to help us reach others who may be able to assist.
Harrison has been diagnosed with Full Trisomy 18. This means he has three copies of chromosome 18, instead of the normal two copies. Since chromosomes act as the blueprint for a baby's development, the extra genetic material causes a number of defects.
Harrison has been shown, via ultrasound, to have an open nueral tube defect, which means his spinal cord and brain failed to develop correctly. He also has a hernia in his stomach, and possible heart defects as well.
The statistics paint a dismal picture. Of children born with this condition, about 50% are still born, and those who survive birth have an average life span of 5 to 7 days. Less than 10% will ever see their first birthday. Care for the condition is supportive.
This is not the future we saw when we first recieved the news of a new baby. Our hopes and dreams for the future now consist of spending as much time with our son as possible before he is gone.
I am asking for donations to our family. This will ensure that if and when the time comes, I am able to provide my son with end of life care, and a proper resting place. It will also help me be able to take off work to be with my family during this difficult time, by providing general life needs such as rent, groceries, gas, etc. Any amount you are able to give will go a long way in helping me achieve these goals. Thank you for reading my story. If you are personally unable to donate, please share this page to help us reach others who may be able to assist.
Organizer
Patrick Stamatelos
Organizer
McGregor, IA