Inspiring Baby Jude smiles despite Daily Dialysis

Baby Jude is a baby who was born 6 weeks early without functioning kidneys. We, a neighbor team) are setting up this fundraiser to help Baby Jude's parents pay for massive medical and other bills. They are a young couple who gave up one income to care for their baby, who needs specialized hourly care around the clock. Baby Jude's story is summarized here (in their words):

"As a young couple expecting our first child, we never expected life-threatening complications. But in month 5 of pregnancy, we received a fatal diagnosis: our baby did not have functioning kidneys (and there was no cure). Joining a hospital research trial gave us a "1% chance" - and hope.

After 22 invasive in-utero treatments (3x/week while working FT!) Baby Jude was born six weeks early. Within 24 hrs, he had his first operation inserting a catheter for dialysis and a central line, followed by many more operations (hernia repair, g-tube, etc.).

Now home, Baby Jude has intense daily care: nightly 12 hr dialysis, timed medications, dressing changes, line care, specific feeding/diet, regular lab work, and often weekly hospital appointments (3+ hr roundtrip drive). Jude should be strong and healthy enough for a kidney transplant at age two.

Baby Jude is not only an amazing medical triumph but also a truly inspiring little person who wakes up with a smile and is growing well despite so many surgeries and medical complexities. He is a tiny force of resilience, strength, and determination!

But at this time, the financial reality has hit us...especially since now (with Jude's daily care) only one of us can work. The medical expenses -- on top of Jude's daily care costs -- are staggering, far beyond what we ever envisioned. (This year alone, we have already exceeded $15,000, even with insurance).

We are SO deeply grateful to anyone who contributes to help us with Jude's current and future needs. Thank you so much!"

(Note: All funds raised will be directly transferred to Baby Jude's parents for his care)