Support Lucas in his NICU journey

Co-organized

Eddie Santos and Shannon Parker and Santos Family are organizing this fundraiser.

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Family, friends and our extended community –

We are asking for your help and support for our infant son, Lucas Alexander Santos, who is currently hospitalized.

Lucas was born on August 15, 2024 at Fairfax inova hospital in Fairfax, Virginia, USA.

Lucas was diagnosed with Trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome) with Long Gap Type B Tracheoesophageal Fistula (TEF) and Esophogeal Atresia (EA), a 1 in 50,000 occurrence.

What does this mean? It means that during the gestation period, Lucas’s esophagus did not grow and connect with his stomach. It is in two pieces. As a result, he is unable to swallow food or liquid on his own. Lucas underwent surgery to install a g-tube into his stomach, commonly referred to as a feeding tube, when he was only a few weeks old.

His doctors also inserted a special tube called a repogle, up through his nose and down his throat, designed specifically to suction out secretions (spit/mucas) from the upper part of his esophagus, to prevent him from choking on his own bodily fluids.

Surgeons have advised us that Lucas may need to remain in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for an additional 6+ months from today (11/2/24), before he has a real chance at coming home.

Even after baby Lucas makes it home, he will still likely face life-long challenges with swallowing food or liquid due to the esophogeal atresia. Doctors have advised us that his esophagus will probably never function as it normally should.

The mounting medical bills will surely be overwhelming, and he’ll be facing expenses that insurance doesn’t fully cover. From surgeries, to physical therapy, medical equipment and unexpected travel costs, the financial burden will become too much to bear alone. We are humbly asking for your help to give Lucas the best chance at a full recovery.

Your generosity will help cover:

Medical expenses for Lucas’s on-going treatment and care
Travel, meals and lodging for our family as we remain close to him during his recovery.
Support for day-to-day expenses so our family can focus on Lucas and eachother.

Any amount, no matter how small, will make a difference in Lucas’s recovery and will help us focus on his healing rather than the financial strain. If you’re unable to contribute financially, sharing this campaign with others would mean the world to us and will get us closer to our goal.

Thank you for taking the time to read Lucas’s story. Your support, love and prayers are deeply appreciated as we work to help him regain his health.

Thank you,

Eddie and Shannon Santos