Shelby and Matt’s baby girl
Donation protected
In just a few short months, Matt, Shelby, and sweet Joey Lynn will welcome their second baby girl into the world—except her welcome will be different from what they, or any family expecting a baby, can imagine. The baby girl Shelby is carrying has been diagnosed with 3 major heart defects, including: transposition of the great arteries (d-TGA), coarctation of the aorta, and a very large ventricular septal defect (VSD). What this means is that her 2 biggest cardiac arteries will be reversed, thereby sending blood to the wrong places, the vessel that’s responsible for sending blood to the body is extremely narrowed and will need to work harder than it should, and there is a massive hole in between the bottom chambers of her heart, causing blood with and without oxygen to mix up and not get to the right places in her body. Together, these 3 problems will cause serious complications if left uncorrected. Because of this, she will need to undergo a life-saving procedure immediately after birth. Even before that, Shelby will need to stop working at 35 weeks pregnant and relocate to Chicago, to be near the children’s hospital where the baby will receive care, while waiting on the little one to arrive. Once the newborn is delivered, she will have emergency surgery, followed by a hospital stay of up to 8 weeks, depending on her progress. Aside from the obvious emotional and mental stress this situation brings, what it also means for their family is loss of income, extra spending on travel (gas, parking, train fare), medical expenses, arranging and paying for care of big sister who is not yet 2, and Matt missing work to be present for his family. This is something one cannot entirely plan for. While they are grateful for the medical community and the guidance they’ve received thus far, they’ll need support from their friends and family as well. No one enjoys reaching out for monetary assistance but one of the most practical ways anyone who knows this family can help, as they face this hardship, is by way of finances. We are asking that you consider donating any amount you are able to ensure their needs are met during this life-altering time. For those who cannot afford to give, your prayers will be cherished. On behalf of Matt and Shelby, they appreciate your generosity, outpouring of love, prayers, and support over the coming months, and undoubtedly for the months to come.
Organizer and beneficiary
Kendyl Ferguson
Organizer
Champaign, IL
Shelby Baine
Beneficiary