Rilynn’s Journey to Home

Hello, I am Cora Smith. My son and daughter-in-law, Elijah and Hope Henry, are the proud parents to a micro preemie, Rilynn Elizabeth.

On Monday, April 22, Hope was taken from Blanchfield Hospital located in Fort Campbell to TriStar Centennial located in Nashville, Tennessee by ambulance. She was suffering from severe preeclampsia. After being admitted into the hospital with the goal of making it to 34 weeks of pregnancy, Hopes employer called her to lay her off. Her medical emergency happened within 90 days of employment. On Wednesday, April 24, Hope was beginning to show signs of kidney damage so they had to do an emergency C-section.

Little Rilynn was born 13 weeks and 2 days early and will remain in NICU until July 26th. She is tiny but mighty, weighing 1 lbs 15oz and 12.75 inches long. She is thriving but still needs prayers.

The hospital that sweet baby Rilynn is taking up residency at is 58 miles away from the Henry house. While the hospital did try to get the new parents placed into a Ronald McDonald house, there does not seem to be any available for them.

Hope will be getting released within the next day or two. Upon her release, Hope and Eli will return to their home in Kentucky while Rilynn stays in NICU in Tennessee.

These kids are going to need help. At 20 and 21 years old they face a world of unknown possibilities.

What I know is they will need help to keep up with bills while making daily drives to the NICU to see their baby girl. What I don’t know is how much help they will need. I had to put an amount down, and did my best to guess between gas, food, and bills for the next few months of what they might need. Any amount will go a long way to help them. If you can’t donate, please at least share her story.

Most importantly keep Eli, Hope, and Rilynn wrapped in love, prayers, and positive vibes!

Thank you!