Support Baby Briggs' Medical Journey

Hi, my name is Lauren Wheeler and I am creating a GoFundMe on behalf of my sister Logan Abner, brother-in-law Mike Abner, and their sweet baby, my nephew Briggs Elliott Abner. Briggs was born December 17, 2024, at 4:45 pm at Novant Huntersville Medical Center in Huntersville, North Carolina. Throughout Logan’s pregnancy, Briggs was a healthy baby boy; however, Briggs' health declined upon delivery into this world. Briggs was rushed to a higher-level care hospital, Novant Presbyterian in downtown Charlotte, by a Neonatal transport team. Briggs had to immediately undergo surgery for a birth defect called Esophageal Atresia, along with having many other tests and procedures for his heart and kidney defects. Logan was unable to be discharged from the hospital due to postpartum complications and was transferred to Novant Presbyterian Medical Center to be close to her baby. Briggs then spent the next three weeks through Christmas and New Year's in the NICU, intubated and on multiple medications to keep him comfortable and sedated.

Once Briggs was weaned from his medications and extubated, he was able to come home. Although coming home was still very different, as Briggs has many follow-up appointments, including seeing his pediatrician weekly, gastroenterologists, cardiology, urology, and nephrology for chronic kidney failure. He is also on specialized medication for his stomach and on prescription formula to protect his kidneys. Briggs will need another surgery around 6 months old for his esophagus and as he continues to grow.

The added stress of having a baby with medical needs and an abundance of medical bills is overwhelming on top of trying to navigate being new parents. Insurance will not cover Logan being transferred to be with her baby, Briggs' emergency surgeon is out of network, his medication and prescription formula are not covered, along with the many other bills regarding his NICU stay and follow-up appointments. The monthly bill will be over $5,000/month and that does not include further medical care Briggs will need.

If there is anything you should know about Logan and Mike, it is they dedicate their lives to helping others. Logan is a registered nurse and Mike is a paramedic. Both would do anything for anybody in need, even if they do not have the means to do so.

Mike has picked up a second job and Logan returned to work when Briggs turned 8 weeks old.

This GoFundMe is to help relieve some of the stress the Abners are currently going through with medical expenses and future medical expenses.

They do not expect anything… but do appreciate everything, even a prayer will do!