BabyBodhi &Family(Jessica Stevens)
Jessica Stevens was 28 weeks pregnant when she suffered from a seizure while on her way to a routine doctors appointment. With the help of her partner Rory Hagar and a passing by nurse, she was able to make it to Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre by ambulance. While in the Trauma Unit, Jessica was unable to be stabilized right away and suffered from another seizure.
It was determined that the cause of Jessica’s seizures was due to eclampsia. Eclampsia is a rare but serious high-risk condition that causes seizures during pregnancy. Eclampsia is a severe complication of preeclampsia. The preeclampsia caused her blood pressure to become so high it damaged her arteries and other blood vessels. Jessica's arteries were restricting blood flow and produced swelling in her brain. The swelling was interfering with her brain’s ability to function, which caused the seizures. This posed a threat to her and the babies life. At this point in time, the doctors concluded that the best course of action for Jessica and her partner Rory’s unborn baby would be an emergency C-section.
Although there was a high chance that Jessica and Rory's baby would not survive its birth, they welcomed their son, Bodhi Hagar, who weighed in at 1lb 9oz, into the world.
Since Bodhi was born 12 weeks premature and only 24 weeks developed he needed to be airlifted to the Children's Hospital NICU in London, Ontario, for specialized care immediately. Jessica and Rory stayed behind in Thunder Bay for a few more days until Jessica was stablalized to join their son in London via air ambulance. When she arrived, she was admitted to the London hospital for two more weeks. During this time Jessica was told she had fluid in her lungs, has severe kidney damage, and was also diagnosed with peripartum cardiomyopathy, a rare type of heart failure that occurs during pregnancy or immediately after delivery. The condition weakened her heart muscle and caused her heart to become enlarged. As a result, her heart can't pump blood properly to the rest of the body. Her heart is currently only functioning at 40%.
Mom and Dad will be staying in London at the Ronald McDonald House until he grows to full term and gets the specialized care he needs. Unfortunately, there are many high health risks for Bodhi and the road to recovery is long. He has already been diagnosed with respiratory distress disorder and there are many more tests ahead of him. Jessica and Rory, as well as their family and friends, remain optimistic for his recovery, as well as Jessica's.
Due to Bodhi's unexpected early birth, Mom and Dad are short an extra 3 months of being able to plan for his arrival and contribute to their savings. The couple has living expenses at home in Thunder Bay and now will have medical expenses from both hospitals to pay for, as well as travel expenses, housing, food, and special equipment for Bodhi. In addition to this, Bodhi and the family will have to travel back to London for follow up appointments every 3 months once he is released. Any funds that can be donated will also help contribute towards these expenses.
At this time, monetary donations are being graciously accepted to help the family. In lieu of a monetary donation, the family would be extremely thankful for the donation of items for Bodhi, If anyone would like to send cards of thought and prayer, the families' current address is listed below.
Attention: Jessica Stevens & Rory Hagar
Ronald McDonald House
741 Base Line Rd E,
London, ON
N6C 2R6
If you would prefer to send an email transfer please send to: [email redacted]
We wish the speedy recovery of Jessica and Bodhi and thank you all for your love and support at this time, it will not go unnoticed and we truly appreciate it.
On behalf of the entire family we would like to thank you for your continued support, prayers and donations.
- The Madigan, Hagar and Stevens families.