JJ's miracle

Baby Justin Johnnie Mattke was born on 10/22/2015 at 0857 hours. Although we knew JJ was a high risk pregnancy due to his abdomen having fluid in it, we did not know what was to come once born. JJ came into this world fighting to breathe. His muscles on the rib cage wall did not develop fully. JJ is unable to breathe on his own because of this. JJ was also born with a rare syndrome called prune belly syndrome. This caused JJ to have no abdominal muscles at all. Additional symptoms include undescended testicles, and JJ's urinary system does not work properly. JJ was born at Sierra Vista Medical Center in San Luis Obispo Ca, 20 mins from home and placed directly into the NICU. Because of his condition, JJ was transferred to a high level NICU. The closest one to our home, with beds available, was six hours away at Loma Linda Medical center in Loma Linda Ca. 

JJ remains there, still in the NICU. We have two daughters, named Ella (4) and Jasmine (9), who are staying with family members while myself and mom are at the hospital and hotel across the street. I work in Monterey County CA and can only come down on days off, which is a six hour drive. I will be doing this every five days on my days off, and then back. Friends and family have been so generous as to start making donations to help us with the many expenses we are facing, including medical, travel, food and lodging during this difficult time. We truly appreciate any contribution you are considering. We pray and hope JJ will pull through this soon, being the strong fighter he is.