Baby Joey
Donation protected
For those of you who know Crystal and Mike Nurmela, you know that they are strong, hardworking people. Even in their greatest time of need, like now, they remain determined and focused on what needs to be done and rarely ask for help. That's why we are starting this GoFundMe site for them. Amy and I (Emily S.) have been friends with Crystal since forever ago! We went through the agonizing years of junior high and high school together, and no matter the time that goes by between visits we always pick up where we left off. Crystal has always been there to help each of us in our time of need, and it's our turn to help Crystal, Mike, and Ellie in this unimaginable situation.
Crystal and Mike were planning to welcome their second child around November 10th, 2015. At their 20 week ultrasound they found that the baby was a boy! They also found out that he had fluid in his kidneys and after further testing, found out their sweet boy had Down Syndrome.
At their 27 week ultrasound the doctor found a large amount of fluid surrounding his lungs. After another echocardiogram, they found that his heart was still healthy, but that meant the fluid was caused by something else. They also found that the umbilical cord was not functioning properly so they began steroid shots to help his lungs mature and ready him for delivery.
Baby Joey was born at 28 weeks (on his big sister Ellie’s 2nd birthday) via C-section, measuring 15 inches long and weighing 2lbs 10oz. It was a very scary delivery for them. The moment he was born, a team of NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) Specialists took care of Joey. Initially his conditions were not good, but the team was able to stabilize him. Over the next 24 hours Joey needed a lot of care and they were taking things hour by hour. It was expected that Joey would stay in the NICU until his original due date.
Over the next two months they experienced a rollercoaster of emotions, as some days were good days and Joey would show signs of improvement, and then the next day or even just a few hours later things could change and the fear and worry would be stronger again. His breathing, nutrition and the extra fluid in his chest cavity and whole body were closely monitored by a fantastic team of doctors and nurses.
Mike and Crystal were able to enjoy many really special moments with Joey. They had days they were able to have kangaroo time (having Joey’s bare skin on their bare chests.) There was a lot of hand holding. While Joey was doing better he was able to open his eyes and give the most adorable single eyebrow raise that made him look just like his big sister Ellie. He got to meet his sister a few times and she held his hand too.
The medical team worked hard trying different medications and procedures, and some would have success but the results were not enough to help him get better. After trying many different options, including unconventional treatments, it was determined that was nothing else that could be done for little Joey. He was holding too much fluid and his body was getting tired. He needed a lot of help with breathing, so it was decided they would give a treatment one more week to work and if there wasn’t improvement they would withdraw support. But Joey decided that, just like he had done his whole short life, he was going to make his own decision. On Thursday, October 22nd, Joey waited for his mom and dad to get to the hospital to see him and then peacefully passed away in his parent’s arms.
With this being said, we've set up a GoFundMe page for the Nurmela family to help the family cover medical and funeral expenses. Crystal and Mike have missed a lot of work throughout this difficult time and we know we can never take away their pain of losing their child, but we are hoping that we can atleast relieve some of the financial burden. If you are able and willing, please consider donating. Any amount helps. Thank you so much!
Amy and Emily S.
Crystal and Mike were planning to welcome their second child around November 10th, 2015. At their 20 week ultrasound they found that the baby was a boy! They also found out that he had fluid in his kidneys and after further testing, found out their sweet boy had Down Syndrome.
At their 27 week ultrasound the doctor found a large amount of fluid surrounding his lungs. After another echocardiogram, they found that his heart was still healthy, but that meant the fluid was caused by something else. They also found that the umbilical cord was not functioning properly so they began steroid shots to help his lungs mature and ready him for delivery.
Baby Joey was born at 28 weeks (on his big sister Ellie’s 2nd birthday) via C-section, measuring 15 inches long and weighing 2lbs 10oz. It was a very scary delivery for them. The moment he was born, a team of NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) Specialists took care of Joey. Initially his conditions were not good, but the team was able to stabilize him. Over the next 24 hours Joey needed a lot of care and they were taking things hour by hour. It was expected that Joey would stay in the NICU until his original due date.
Over the next two months they experienced a rollercoaster of emotions, as some days were good days and Joey would show signs of improvement, and then the next day or even just a few hours later things could change and the fear and worry would be stronger again. His breathing, nutrition and the extra fluid in his chest cavity and whole body were closely monitored by a fantastic team of doctors and nurses.
Mike and Crystal were able to enjoy many really special moments with Joey. They had days they were able to have kangaroo time (having Joey’s bare skin on their bare chests.) There was a lot of hand holding. While Joey was doing better he was able to open his eyes and give the most adorable single eyebrow raise that made him look just like his big sister Ellie. He got to meet his sister a few times and she held his hand too.
The medical team worked hard trying different medications and procedures, and some would have success but the results were not enough to help him get better. After trying many different options, including unconventional treatments, it was determined that was nothing else that could be done for little Joey. He was holding too much fluid and his body was getting tired. He needed a lot of help with breathing, so it was decided they would give a treatment one more week to work and if there wasn’t improvement they would withdraw support. But Joey decided that, just like he had done his whole short life, he was going to make his own decision. On Thursday, October 22nd, Joey waited for his mom and dad to get to the hospital to see him and then peacefully passed away in his parent’s arms.
With this being said, we've set up a GoFundMe page for the Nurmela family to help the family cover medical and funeral expenses. Crystal and Mike have missed a lot of work throughout this difficult time and we know we can never take away their pain of losing their child, but we are hoping that we can atleast relieve some of the financial burden. If you are able and willing, please consider donating. Any amount helps. Thank you so much!
Amy and Emily S.
Organizer and beneficiary
Emily 'Schneider' Elg
Organizer
Savage, MN
Crystal Nurmela
Beneficiary