Baby Jack - "God is Gracious"

In mid April, Matt and Jess were informed that their beloved son, Jack (who was 21 weeks gestational at the time) had Spina Bifida.

Spina bifida is a neural tube defect that occurs during the first month of pregnancy when the spinal cord does not develop or close properly. Spina bifida Can lead to many physical disabilities, including problems with walking and mobility, vowel and bladder function, wounds healing and fluid accumulating in the brain requiring shunt surgery.

They qualified for in-utero surgery to close the opening in his back,  which would go on to happen May 26th. The surgery was a success and Jess was prepared to be in the hospital recovering for the next several weeks before returning home.

Well, God had other plans! On June 1st, Jack made a very quick and traumatic entrance into the world that took us all by surprise. This precious boy, weighing all of 1lb & 12oz when born, has faced many daunting hurdles already as he continues to fight for his life in the NICU. 

Matt and Jess have displayed great courage through each step of this journey despite the crippling fears and unknowns. As they sacrifice for their son, Jack, who has a long road ahead of him, we would love to sacrifice for them, in whatever ways we can. We have created this page as one way to come alongside them financially, to ease a very real burden that accompanies this fight.

These donations are purposed to help with hospital bills, food, lodging and gas expenses as they travel the 2 hours between home and the hospital where Jack is, along with providing financial support for Jack’s long-term care in regards to having Spina Bífida(specialists, physical/occupational therapy, possibly braces/walkers, etc)

Jess has been posting updates concerning Jack's progress on her Facebook page and I encourage you to take a look there to find more details of Jack's journey. 

Lastly, I thank you from the bottom of my heart as a dear friend of Matt and Jess and on behalf of them and their families. Your gifts truly mean more than their monetary value; they are an encouragement and they serve as a reminder that Matt and Jess are not alone in this. We believe in the power of prayer and urge you to join us in praying over Matt, Jess, Isla and Jack.