Schwend Family Medical Expenses

On the Feast of Saint Joseph this year, Brittany and John found out that they were expecting. During our first ultrasound in May, we found out that were expecting, not one, but two boys. We also learned during that appointment that this was not your everyday pregnancy. Instead of seeing the regular OBGYN, we were referred to the top doctor in the Lansing area, who referred us to the University of Michigan.

During our first visit to U of M at 17 weeks along, the doctor told us that we were in a serious pregnancy and advised aborting Justin. Joseph was in more amniotic fluid than normal. The ultrasound showed enlarged ventricles in Justin's brain, as well as a tightly wound umbilical cord that was attached to the uterine wall instead of the placenta. The ultrasound also confirmed reverse flow in Justin's umbilical cord. Instead of receiving nutrients from Brittany, Justin was trying to give them to her. The doctor told us that there was a high probability that Justin would die within 3 weeks and, if that happened, we would likely lose Joseph as well. The doctor advised that we should abort Justin to save Joseph and offered to perform the abortion on-site. We refused and stated our intent to continue with the pregnancy and face whatever was to come. The doctor asked us if we wanted to attend weekly appointments at U of M or continue seeing our regular doctor in Lansing. We opted to continue seeing our regular doctor out of convenience and because Brittany and I were both working in Lansing.

Brittany then started having ultrasounds once per week and, later, twice per week to monitor for the reverse flow in Justin's umbilical cord. She also had two follow-up appointments at U of M, since that is where she was going to be delivering. On August 30, 2022, our doctor saw reverse flow in Justin's umbilical cord and sent Brittany down to Trauma at U of M, where she was admitted for daily monitoring. One week later, on September 6, 2022, Joseph Charles and Justin Paul were born via cesarean section and immediately taken to the NICU. Joseph graduated the NICU on September 21, 2022, and Justin graduated on October 11, 2022.

While Joseph and Justin were patients at U of M, Brittany and I lived at the Ronald McDonald House in Ann Arbor. John drove up to Lansing every day for his new job, and Brittany spent her days at the hospital caring for the boys. In the evenings, John retrieved any mail or needed items from the house, checked on the dogs, and drove down to Ann Arbor to spend the evening with Brittany and the twins. John and Brittany either got dinner from the Ronald McDonald House, went to the cafeteria, or ordered takeout. On October 27, 2022, Joseph and Justin were released from the hospital and able to go home for the first time.

Since coming home, Brittany has had weekly appointments with the boys with the pediatrician in Lansing or the eye doctor or endocrinologist in Ann Arbor. In January, Justin will have surgery to repair an inguinal hernia and circumcision. Joseph will have surgery on his cranium. We are also continuing to monitor Justin's ventricles due to hydrocephalus, which will eventually require the placement of a shunt.

Insurance has refused to pay for all of the ultrasounds that Brittany had due to the fact that she was in a high risk pregnancy. Insurance has covered very little expenses from the ultrasounds we received. Any money that we receive will go towards paying off these medical bills. We appreciate your generosity.