Help Irene & Mike visit their newborn in the NICU

Liz Bowe is organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Irene Putzig.

Donation protected

Irene and Michael are wonderful parents of two young boys. Their youngest, Winston, is in the NICU after being born by emergency c-section an entire month early on September 13th. At 8:34am they welcomed Winnie weighing just 6pounds 6ounces and measuring 19 inches long. Winnie has Down Syndrome and needs some extra medical help eating and getting healthy enough to come home. While Winnie remains in the hospital, their one and a half year old son, Philip, is at home excited to meet his new brother. Since Philly isn't able to visit the NICU, Irene and Michael are commuting to and from the hospital, often paying the DC rush hour tolls ($28 each way) in order to spend as much time as they can with both of their babies. Over the course of a month, two visits per day can add up to over $3,000!

Winnie is still in the NICU and progressing well but is projected to need another few weeks until he is strong and healthy enough to go home.

All of the funds raised will go directly to Irene and Michael to help cover tolls, prepared meals, fuel, and medical expenses. If you are able to contribute in any way financially to help support Irene and Michael as they continue to commute and work hard to spend as much time as they can with their two young boys, it would be greatly appreciated. Warm wishes are always appreciated as well.

Please don't hesitate to reach out to Liz if you have any questions.

Winnie receiving photo therapy in the NICU

Winnie in the NICU

Holding Winnie still means being mindful of tubes and monitors

Irene and Baby Winnie. He is still learning to eat without his blood oxygen dropping (suck, swallow, breathe) which means he gets a combination of breast feeding, bottle feeding and feeing tube for nourishment