Cody & Jessie Pate have a Tiny Miracle, Huge Bills

So many people have asked what they can do to help the Pate family, so I asked to share their story. I hope we can raise enough money to lighten the load of what is an incredibly heavy burden for two young parents.

 Cody and Jessie Pate were typical first-time expectant parents: nervous and excited, preparing for a new arrival in June. On Sunday, March 14th, Jessie started having contractions; Cody drove her to the hospital. Early Monday morning, Jessie was life-flighted from Helena to Missoula Community Medical Center. The Pates' sweet baby girl, Juniper Emma, was born on Thursday, March 18th, at 2 lbs 4 oz. She was 13 weeks early.

If Jessie hadn't been flown to Missoula, Juniper wouldn't have the support of a top-rate NICU. But an emergency helicopter ride is not cheap: between $10,000 and $40,000. Add that to a 2-3 month stay in the NICU, and the Pates could go home with a bill of up to $80,000.

Cody is a science teacher with 86 students in 1st-8th grades. He rides his bike to class every day and leads youth bike clubs in his spare time. He's a giant NASA nerd. Jessie works in institutional research at Helena college, loves growing her own vegetables, volunteered as co-manager of a community garden, and is an avid reader.

If you know Cody and Jessie, you know that they are the last people who would ask for money. So we're asking for them. Please help the Pates get through this unimaginably difficult time. They are watching their baby girl fight every day, worrying about her every night, and holding onto every milestone. Medical bills are not something they should have to worry about now. Please help us reach our goal!