Hand-Up for Harlow

We’re looking for a Hand-Up for Harlow and her family. Harlow was born on April 23, 2022, a long awaited and much anticipated little angel to Brad and Kristen Gattis.

 

After many years of trying to conceive and being told that she only had a 5% chance, Kristen and Brad beat the odds and found out that Kristen was pregnant on her 38th Birthday. This was the year that Kristen and Brad had decided to start adoption proceedings if Kristen had not gotten pregnant.

 

Harlow indeed was a miracle from God! Harlow’s birthday, April 23, was exactly 38 weeks after conception and on her maternal grandmother’s birthday! She appeared to be in perfect form. Full pink cheeks, a cute little button nose, a healthy weight and length. At her last ultrasound, all looked well. Unfortunately, a heartbreaking diagnosis was given within 24 hours.

 

Something devastating happened to Harlow during the last 3 weeks before her birth which caused her to be born with severe and untreatable Hydrocephalus. The fluid buildup in her head caused her brain tissue to deteriorate.

 

Brad and Kristen were faced with the choice of having their beautiful baby girl remain in the hospital with tubes hooked up to her and on life support, with multiple surgeries to drain the fluid to take pressure off of her brain. The end result being her passing as there is not enough brain tissue to regenerate.

 

The second option, the one that will give Harlow the best quality of life during her short time here, was to bring her to her loving home where she can be cuddled and loved until her time here comes to a much too early end. They have chosen the second option and they are providing Harlow with her best life possible while they can. She has been given 6 -9 months to live.

 

During this time, Kristen is on maternity leave and will need to return back to work soon. As most of you know, Brad is a self-employed Carpenter and he is exceptional at what he does. When Brad isn't able to work, he does not get paid. In order for him to be able to stay at home to help care for Harlow and to be there to support Kristen, we are doing what we can to raise funds so that they can focus on their precious baby girl without stressing over finances. Nurses do come to the home once a week to check up, but there is still a great amount of extra time and care required to care for a little one with this condition. And, of course, at the end of this journey there will be funeral expenses to be paid.

 

This is obviously a life shattering experience that no parents should have to face, but when they do, having family and friends rally around them to show them all the love and support that they can is key. Every dollar donated and every prayer said is appreciated more than you know.