Help the Emple Family

Adjusting to life after having your first baby is difficult and life-altering, even under the best circumstances. This past July, Marissa Emple gave birth to sweet Tevel via traumatic emergency C-section. At just 4 weeks postpartum, Marissa underwent a procedure on her liver. Unfortunately, this procedure resulted in the severe complications of acute pancreatitis and panniculitis, which triggered a ten-day hospital stay away from her newborn baby, during which she struggled to maintain her milk supply in a Herculean effort to continue to nurse Tevel.

After returning from the hospital, Marissa began experiencing excruciating back pain, which was dismissed by various doctors as a consequence of either her pancreatitis or aches from nursing Tevel. Marissa worked to advocate for herself, and upon convincing a doctor to order an MRI, Marissa was found to have sustained several fractures throughout her spine and ribs. A subsequent bone density scan provided Marissa with an extremely rare diagnosis known as Pregnancy and Lactation-Induced Osteoporosis. The fractures had occurred during the procedure on her liver.

Shortly after discovering this diagnosis, Marissa became septic, and was rushed to the Emergency Room. Due to the sepsis, she needed another procedure to remove the stents from her liver. Again, the procedure resulted in new fractures in her ribs and spine.

Marissa’s Osteoporosis is so severe that she is continuing to sustain pathological fractures (fractures without any trauma), resulting in severe and debilitating pain. She has been unable to lift or carry Tevel. She is scheduled to undergo yet another surgery on her liver, which, though necessary and important, will delay her ability to pick up her infant son for another 4-6 weeks.

Marissa and her husband Artem have had to hire around-the-clock childcare for Tevel due to Marissa’s physical limitations and Artem’s demanding work schedule. The cost of childcare, coupled with the mounting medical bills, have put a significant burden on their finances.

Despite the unimaginable challenges that Marissa has endured over the past several months, she remains resolutely positive and endlessly kind. As Marissa is, by all accounts, a giver, it is difficult for her to ask for help. This fundraiser is being organized by her friends and community members. Please give what you can to help Marissa and Artem ease some of their burden. Thank you for your consideration.