Jack's Battle with Trisomy 18

I'm reaching out today to ask for help. My sister Debbie gave birth to my second nephew this fall, Jack. Jack has Trisomy 18 and their were a lot of unknowns coming up to his birth and in the many weeks since then. Jack was born on September 4, 2023. Our initial hope was to get to meet him and snuggle for a few hours, but he has far exceeded our expectations! He's proven over and over how strong he is and that he wants to be here. In his 3 months of life he has already undergone countless tests and two surgeries-one for G tube placement (for feedings) and one for tracheostomy to aid in his breathing. He still has a long road ahead in the hospital as the doctors are figuring out best ventilator settings for home, mom and dad have to undergo a great deal of home care training, and he will need a repair of a large VSD (hole) in his heart in the months to come.

For those who may not know, Trisomy 18 or Edward's Syndrome is defined as "A condition that causes severe developmental delays due to an extra chromosome 18". It is a very rare condition in which 90% of babies die in utero or soon after birth with only about 10% of babies born alive survive past 1 year.

Jack is beating those odds. Must be the SISU in him!

But my sister and her boyfriend Jamel need help. He has been at the UW Children's Hospital since he was born and he will remain here some time. Soon, he should be strong enough to come home, but it will be a long road. With the travel back and forth to Kaukauna, missed work, medical bills, etc. this family is in need of help. Please give what you can, but also keep those prayers coming.

Thank you.