Ava Rae Catlett Medical Costs

I am reaching out to friends, family, acquaintances and the rest of the world to help this beautiful family of 8. Ava Rae was an unexpected blessing sent to Bethany and Joseph Catlett in 2021 and her 2nd birthday is fast approaching this week. Currently, we are praying that she can celebrate it with her family and escape the hospital that has confined her so many times in her short life.

It starts with a little cough, watery eyes, maybe a sniffle and a sneeze.... then bam... out of nowhere you find your little angel gasping for breath, wheezing, racked with high fevers, and too tired to lift her head. It happens so fast, and you're never prepared for what comes. Even when you think you are, you aren't. It isn't so bad when you're a strong healthy child, you fight it like a bad cold. But when you already suffer from asthma, had RSV a few months prior, and have had heart surgery in less than two years... it hits harder and faster. It doesn't matter that mama is a rockstar nurse practitioner who deals with super sick people every day. It doesn't matter that the family tries to avoid crowds and sick contacts, or that she doesn't get to play with other children in an attempt to avoid getting sick.

The family had hoped 2023 would be full of health, love, and togetherness...but here we are again... back in the hospital and split apart, with mom at the bedside and dad running the household. The Catlett family is an incredibly strong and resilient pack who work hard to help one another overcome any problem or disability that faces them. Ava's mama bear is wearing thin trying to balance home, hospital and work life. She is doing her best to stay at her baby's bedside and ensure the physicians and residents are doing everything they can to save baby Ava. Presently Ava is looking at the bleak prospect of returning to the PICU at Children's Hospital. She is maxed out on her medication and pulmonary therapies and may require more oxygen and more interventions. The family is taking all of the prayers and thoughts of love and goodwill that everyone can muster to lift their little angel Ava and heal her lungs.

I am reaching out to family, friends, acquaintances, and strangers alike to ask for help. While Bethany is at Ava's bedside she is not able to work to support the family. Medical bills are already steep and the new year's deductible is even higher this year than last year. I know the family would be very grateful for anything you can offer, including prayer.

If you would like to assist with their financial burden (a $10,000 medical deductible), any donation through gofundme would be greatly appreciated! All funds raised will go directly to Ava Rae's medical costs and related expenses for the Catlett family.

With much love and thanks,

Jen