Supporting the Merkwan Family
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Many of you know the Merkwan family, but for those of you who don't they are a family of 10. Matt (Mathais) and Missy (Melissa) found out that they were expecting their 9th child this fall. They found out their child would be a girl and named her Lila after Missy's grandmother. 
During the ultrasound they found out that Melissa had a condition known as Placenta Accreta. This occurs when the placenta grows too deeply into the uterine wall. This condition can cause severe blood loss. Missy and Matt began planning for a hysterectomy following Lila's birth. They would also plan to deliver Lila early due to safety reasons.
On May 27th Missy had an onset of severe lower abdominal pain. The pain was so severe that Melody (her 14 year old) had to call 911. When Missy reached the hospital she was in severe pain, unable to move, and had low blood pressure. After hours at the hospital they discovered that Missy had a complete Placenta Previa. This is a condition where the placenta forms over the opening of the cervix. Imaging also showed that Missy had a large amount of internal bleeding. It also appeared that her placenta had grown into her bladder.
Missy was rushed to another hospital and into surgery. Surgeons told Matt at one point that Missy may not survive surgery. Missy was 21 weeks pregnant. During surgery they had to do a hysterectomy, and surgeons had to remove part of Missy's bladder as well. After several blood transfusions and hours of surgery she was stable and sent to the ICU. When Missy awoke she found out that the providers were unable to save baby Lila. She weighed 11 oz. Missy and Matt were left to cope with an unimaginable loss.
Eventually she was discharged with a catheter, and sent home to recover from surgery. They were told the expected recovery time would be around 3-6 months with the chance that Missy may have to undergo another procedure on her bladder. Missy had an event at home where she fainted and had to be sent back to the hospital. She was diagnosed with a UTI, and sent home. On June 8th Missy was able to get her catheter out, but still has a long road to recovery.
At home they have been faced with the reality of explaining to their 8 children that they would not be able to meet their sister. As a family they are mourning Lila, but are incredibly thankful Missy survived.
The Merkwans are Minnesota natives who moved to Florida this past winter, as Matt found work down south. This move has been a great career move for the Merkwans, however this unexpected tragedy has left them with limited support. Please consider helping in the following ways.
-The Merkwan family is asking for their friends and family to lift them up in prayer. Their faith has been a pillar of strength as they began to grieve and recover.
-Call, write, or visit to show your support. Distance can be isolating in these situations. People underestimate how much support one letter or card can give.
-If you are able please consider sending financial support. This tragedy has resulted in Matt needing to miss weeks of work. They also face medical costs associated with the hospital stay, and the need for medical devices at home. Lastly they have to pay for Lila's cremation and memorial.
Thank you for considering contributing to the Merkwan family.
During the ultrasound they found out that Melissa had a condition known as Placenta Accreta. This occurs when the placenta grows too deeply into the uterine wall. This condition can cause severe blood loss. Missy and Matt began planning for a hysterectomy following Lila's birth. They would also plan to deliver Lila early due to safety reasons.
On May 27th Missy had an onset of severe lower abdominal pain. The pain was so severe that Melody (her 14 year old) had to call 911. When Missy reached the hospital she was in severe pain, unable to move, and had low blood pressure. After hours at the hospital they discovered that Missy had a complete Placenta Previa. This is a condition where the placenta forms over the opening of the cervix. Imaging also showed that Missy had a large amount of internal bleeding. It also appeared that her placenta had grown into her bladder.
Missy was rushed to another hospital and into surgery. Surgeons told Matt at one point that Missy may not survive surgery. Missy was 21 weeks pregnant. During surgery they had to do a hysterectomy, and surgeons had to remove part of Missy's bladder as well. After several blood transfusions and hours of surgery she was stable and sent to the ICU. When Missy awoke she found out that the providers were unable to save baby Lila. She weighed 11 oz. Missy and Matt were left to cope with an unimaginable loss.
Eventually she was discharged with a catheter, and sent home to recover from surgery. They were told the expected recovery time would be around 3-6 months with the chance that Missy may have to undergo another procedure on her bladder. Missy had an event at home where she fainted and had to be sent back to the hospital. She was diagnosed with a UTI, and sent home. On June 8th Missy was able to get her catheter out, but still has a long road to recovery.
At home they have been faced with the reality of explaining to their 8 children that they would not be able to meet their sister. As a family they are mourning Lila, but are incredibly thankful Missy survived.
The Merkwans are Minnesota natives who moved to Florida this past winter, as Matt found work down south. This move has been a great career move for the Merkwans, however this unexpected tragedy has left them with limited support. Please consider helping in the following ways.
-The Merkwan family is asking for their friends and family to lift them up in prayer. Their faith has been a pillar of strength as they began to grieve and recover.
-Call, write, or visit to show your support. Distance can be isolating in these situations. People underestimate how much support one letter or card can give.
-If you are able please consider sending financial support. This tragedy has resulted in Matt needing to miss weeks of work. They also face medical costs associated with the hospital stay, and the need for medical devices at home. Lastly they have to pay for Lila's cremation and memorial.
Thank you for considering contributing to the Merkwan family.
Organizer and beneficiary
Jennifer Navarro
Organizer
Monticello, MN
Melissa Merkwan
Beneficiary