Help Baby Iris

Our sweet baby Iris was born December 21st 2016. Moments after being born, she was taken away to be monitored closely. It was discovered she had a pneumothorax which is fluid around the lungs. The doctors also discovered she had a heart murmur that was to be followed up after we left. The most concerning thing that was brought up during our stay was Iris possibly having Trisomy 21. We were shocked and didn't really know what to think. The doctor wanted to send out labs just to check. We said yes that was fine. The characteristics he said made sense, but everything looked normal so we figured the results would come back negative. After 4 initial days in the NICU, her pneumothorax dissipated and the hospital discharged Iris and we went home. Even though we were discharged, Iris had to have her bilirubin checked her first two days out which just happened to be December 25th and 26th. Both visits required 40 mile round trips to the hospital for blood tests. After that we had our normal 1 week check up. It wasn't until our 2 week check up the results for the trisomy 21 came back. It was confirmed she did indeed have trisomy 21. After learning this, we had to come up with a care plan for her. Having Trisomy 21 can greatly increase the risk for certain health complications that can come up and she is always at a heightened risk for getting sick. With that in mind, we were instructed to see a cardiologist, an ENT specialist, an ophthalmologist, a genetic specialist, a pediatric specialist, and have more frequent checkups with our regular pediatrician along with numerous lab work and care appointments all within the first 2-6 months. Even with all of the precautions, she did happen to get a cold which hit her harder. At her most recent appointment on Feb 2nd, Iris had rapid breathing and wasn't eating well. They ended up hearing fluid in her right lung. This all caused for concern and all her doctors thought it would be best if she was admitted into the hospital. Its been a week now that we have been here with countless test and exams and we were finally able to find out that she has a laryngimalacia, which is going to lead to an operation this Friday. After that, we should be able to go home, but it's still not for certain. Our family and friends have been extremely supportive and flexible with helping us care for our other 2 boys while we spend the majority of our time in the hospital. The outpour of kind words, thoughts and prayers on social media have been a constant uplift. The issue that we are facing now is that no hospital stay is free and even with our insurance, the medical bills are piling up and are already in to the thousands and we haven't even seen the first of the bills that will come with this latest stint in the PICU and surgery. So we're asking for donations to help pay for Iris's hospital stay and surgery. Any amount would be greatly appreciated. We would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your thoughtfulness and goodwill with your contributions.