Casen's Medical Costs

On December 5th 2023, my grandson Casen Bellatti was born via c section after a failed ECV due to his breech positioning in the womb. Mom (Krystal) and dad (Cole) had about 10 seconds of pure happiness after his arrival, when doctors called Cole over immediately following birth due to finding a physical abnormality in his lower abdomen. Cole left with Casen as he was taken into the nursery where doctors immediately called the closest children's hospitals. Krystal and Cole were soon told Casen would be flown to UCSF Benioff's children’s hospital in San Francisco. Cole left on a 6 hour drive to meet Casen at the hospital. Krystal could not be released until the next morning due to her recovery from surgery. Casen soon took his first ambulance and plane ride at a mere 5 hours old. Krystal & I left the next morning to drive to UCSF. After days of meeting with specialists and surgeons, it was determined Casen was born with bladder exstrophy, where a small piece of his bladder did not enclose fully into his abdominal wall. This physical abnormality occurred around week 9 of gestation and was undiagnosed until birth. The surgeons said he would need two major surgeries around the age of two to three months and the next at twelve months. Since Casen's birth Krystal and Cole have been going back and forth to San Francisco for follow up appointments. On February 26th Casen will undergo his first of two surgeries, expected to be around eleven hours. During that time over 5 surgeons from 4 different pediatric departments will perform a bilateral pelvic osteotomy with postoperative immobilization in a brace and place his bladder back fully inside his abdomen. He will have an estimated two-week hospital stay, with follow ups thereafter. Krystal and Cole are hopeful for the best outcome, so Casen can lead a normal happy life.

Thankfully with ongoing phone calls, emails and forms filled out, insurance and California children's services have covered most of the hospital costs so far as well as promising to reimburse for a couple of nights hotel stays, (haven't seen that yet.) The bills are starting to pile up and with the upcoming operation, gas, food, lodging, parking not to mention Cole taking time off work and Krystal extending her maternity leave, it's really starting to hit hard.

Anything you are able to give to help Krystal and Cole would be so appreciated. Money will be used to pay off the current credit card charges and help with driving to the hospital throughout his recovery over the next few months.

Thank you so much.