Welcome Baby Ue
Donation protected
How would you like to be an answer to prayer?
My friend Krystal Ue (nee Alopaeus) works for YWAM in Perth, Australia. She and her husband are expecting their first baby, but she has experienced multiple health complications during the pregnancy. Now she has been diagnosed with obstetric cholestasis, a serious health condition with major risks for both the baby and the mother. So baby will be induced by 37 weeks, and Krystal and baby are being monitored very closely in the meantime. This means a LOT of hospital visits, and a LOT of doctor's bills! The goal of this GoFundMe campaign is to help pay those bills and alleviate some stress during a very stressful, scary time.
Both Krystal and her husband Jype work with YWAM Perth. Krystal's ministry for years focused on prevention, release, and care of those in slavery. Her heart is to walk alongside women exiting a life of slavery and see their lives transformed - having renewed hope, purpose, freedom, and joy. For the past 7 years she has been involved in reaching out to women in prostitution in Perth, although she is currently using her creative giftings to create artwork that will be partnered with oral translation of the Bible for language groups in a specific nation that have never heard the Gospel in their mother tongues. Jype's ministry works with aboriginal youth, promoting factors that help them understand their significance and build their resilience (trauma processing, activity engagement, evangelism, discipleship, advocacy and partnership). These two have invested their lives in ministries that support vulnerable people within their community and beyond. Now they are experiencing their own vulnerable time, and it's our turn to come around them and support. As their Canadian friends and family, let's show them that they are loved!
I've copied Krystal's own updates below, including some specific prayer requests. This family would very much appreciate your prayers during such a difficult time. But they're also asking for prayer for their finances, and honestly I feel weird praying for financial support without also contributing some cash. It feels too much like saying "Go in peace, stay warm and well fed" without being any practical help (James 2:16). Would you like to be part of answering this prayer?
The Ues have calculated that their current shortfall is 10,423.45 AUD (9,973.21 CAD with today's exchange rate). But the real need will probably be much greater, as that estimate does not include any cushion for other unexpected expenses. They will probably incur NICU bills since baby may need extra care due to being born early. And wouldn't it be marvelous to bless them above and beyond their medical bills - babies are expensive little creatures even when they're out and healthy! I would love to see their Canadian community come together to bless these three lovely people until their cup is running over. Will you help us exceed our goal?
Thank you for your ongoing prayers, and thank you for considering sending a financial blessing to this family!
https://mailchi.mp/f75a17a7e7f1/ue-update-request-for-prayer-2908381?e=658be9b8d3&fbclid=IwAR0RD4sBMcPVE-JqqC0_uXVJph3P3mg-DKFJ8vMwf0Aymckksm41DoCjTTU
Baby Ue Update (from Krystal, November 2)
We wanted to write an update for everyone who's interested, to better explain what's happening with mine and baby's health, and request specific prayer.
I started having extremely itchy hands and feet last Friday, so we rang our midwife when it continued over the weekend. On Tuesday I was diagnosed with a liver condition of pregnancy called Obstetric Cholestasis. We just got back today from our 3rd visit to the hospital this week for continued assessment and monitoring. On Wednesday my blood test results looked quite abnormal, even for Obstetric Cholestasis, so there were concerns that even more is going on in my body besides Cholestasis. My bloods from today looked a bit better, likely thanks to the bile acid medication they started me on two days ago. Along with Cholestasis, I may have something called Gestational Thrombocytopenia, but that didn't seem to be a major concern to the doctor. We are stillwaiting for more test results to come back next week, but praying that nothing elsemajor is going on besides Cholestasis (and the gallstones they discovered a month ago after my unexpected gallbladder attack...those gallstones have likely contributed to this condition).
Bottom line is, right now my liver is really not doing well. One of my new obstetricians spoke with us today, and said that the current dysfunction of my liver is, in his words, "impressive". This has a lot of potential implications for the remainder of my pregnancy and health of our baby. Doctors aren't able to predict how my liver, or baby, will continue to cope with my condition, thus, continuous monitoring is absolutely necessary to make sure that baby is delivered before anything takes a turn for the worst!
The plan
I will be induced by 37 weeks (January 3rd) at the LATEST, to reduce the possibility of a stillbirth. If mine or baby's health takes a turn before then, baby will be delivered sooner! Baby's heart is going to be monitored via CTG twice a week, and his growth is going to be monitored via ultrasound every 2 weeks. I will also have blood tests done once a week to keep an eagle eye on my liver function and all the rest. We are back to the hospital on Monday to kick off this plan!
We need prayer!
<> for baby to continue to grow strong and healthy in every way, and for his lungs to develop in record time, so that whether he comes at 37 weeks or sooner, they are strong little lungs
<> for my liver to heal, my bile to flow freely where it's supposed to, and the bile acidsthat have leaked into my bloodstream to go back where they need to
<> for my hands and feet to stop itching (the most common symptom of my condition) and causing sleepless nights for both Jype and I
<> for my body to be healthy enough to safely carry baby to 37 weeks so that he has as much time as possible to grow and get stronger
<> for my gallstones to miraculously dissolve, and for no gallbladder attacks before baby comes!
<>for no more complications of any kind
<> that Jype and I will continue to know God's peace, joy and wisdom as we walk through this, and for grace and strength over our marriage in what has already been an emotionally and physically exhausting season
<> for finances - we don't usually write so generally/broadly requesting prayer for financial support, but since my 1st trimester of pregnancy, it has been "one thing after another" regarding my health, which has resulted in so many blood tests, doctors visits and hospital visits, as well as continuous extra grocery expenses. Our overseas health insurance reimburses us some of the cost, but the medical bills are still piling up, and now with 2 hospital visits/week ahead of us, we aren't sure how we're going to keep up at this point. We would love prayer for this practical need!
Thank you so much for your care and concern and PRAYERS! We are so, so thankful for the amazing community of friends and family (both near and far) around us at this time.
Lots of love,
Krystal, Jype and baby
---------------------------
Baby Ue update (November 5):
Another hospital day, but some good news came out of it! Doctors decided today that we can stop the twice-weekly CTG’s (heart monitoring) of baby, because his growth and movement have been normal up to this point and his heart is beating well. If anything comes up, they’ll start them again. Also, my most recent bloods looked a bit better than the last so hopefully this trend continues! I’ll still be having biweekly clinics and ultrasounds, and weekly blood tests, but the situation looks slightly better today, rather than worse today. Thank you all so much for your prayers. We’ll keep you updated!
--------------------------
Baby Ue update (November 23):
Prayers are being answered! 2 hospital visits and an ultrasound this week, and baby is still growing at a normal rate and looking well. My most recent liver function and bile acid test results are much better than before - meds are working and everything is “normalising” for now. We are praying this trend continues and that baby keeps thriving and growing even bigger and stronger. Only 6 weeks to induction if everything goes to “plan” and he doesn’t need to be delivered earlier. We would love prayer that we both continue to do well!
My friend Krystal Ue (nee Alopaeus) works for YWAM in Perth, Australia. She and her husband are expecting their first baby, but she has experienced multiple health complications during the pregnancy. Now she has been diagnosed with obstetric cholestasis, a serious health condition with major risks for both the baby and the mother. So baby will be induced by 37 weeks, and Krystal and baby are being monitored very closely in the meantime. This means a LOT of hospital visits, and a LOT of doctor's bills! The goal of this GoFundMe campaign is to help pay those bills and alleviate some stress during a very stressful, scary time.
Both Krystal and her husband Jype work with YWAM Perth. Krystal's ministry for years focused on prevention, release, and care of those in slavery. Her heart is to walk alongside women exiting a life of slavery and see their lives transformed - having renewed hope, purpose, freedom, and joy. For the past 7 years she has been involved in reaching out to women in prostitution in Perth, although she is currently using her creative giftings to create artwork that will be partnered with oral translation of the Bible for language groups in a specific nation that have never heard the Gospel in their mother tongues. Jype's ministry works with aboriginal youth, promoting factors that help them understand their significance and build their resilience (trauma processing, activity engagement, evangelism, discipleship, advocacy and partnership). These two have invested their lives in ministries that support vulnerable people within their community and beyond. Now they are experiencing their own vulnerable time, and it's our turn to come around them and support. As their Canadian friends and family, let's show them that they are loved!
I've copied Krystal's own updates below, including some specific prayer requests. This family would very much appreciate your prayers during such a difficult time. But they're also asking for prayer for their finances, and honestly I feel weird praying for financial support without also contributing some cash. It feels too much like saying "Go in peace, stay warm and well fed" without being any practical help (James 2:16). Would you like to be part of answering this prayer?
The Ues have calculated that their current shortfall is 10,423.45 AUD (9,973.21 CAD with today's exchange rate). But the real need will probably be much greater, as that estimate does not include any cushion for other unexpected expenses. They will probably incur NICU bills since baby may need extra care due to being born early. And wouldn't it be marvelous to bless them above and beyond their medical bills - babies are expensive little creatures even when they're out and healthy! I would love to see their Canadian community come together to bless these three lovely people until their cup is running over. Will you help us exceed our goal?
Thank you for your ongoing prayers, and thank you for considering sending a financial blessing to this family!
https://mailchi.mp/f75a17a7e7f1/ue-update-request-for-prayer-2908381?e=658be9b8d3&fbclid=IwAR0RD4sBMcPVE-JqqC0_uXVJph3P3mg-DKFJ8vMwf0Aymckksm41DoCjTTU
Baby Ue Update (from Krystal, November 2)
We wanted to write an update for everyone who's interested, to better explain what's happening with mine and baby's health, and request specific prayer.
I started having extremely itchy hands and feet last Friday, so we rang our midwife when it continued over the weekend. On Tuesday I was diagnosed with a liver condition of pregnancy called Obstetric Cholestasis. We just got back today from our 3rd visit to the hospital this week for continued assessment and monitoring. On Wednesday my blood test results looked quite abnormal, even for Obstetric Cholestasis, so there were concerns that even more is going on in my body besides Cholestasis. My bloods from today looked a bit better, likely thanks to the bile acid medication they started me on two days ago. Along with Cholestasis, I may have something called Gestational Thrombocytopenia, but that didn't seem to be a major concern to the doctor. We are stillwaiting for more test results to come back next week, but praying that nothing elsemajor is going on besides Cholestasis (and the gallstones they discovered a month ago after my unexpected gallbladder attack...those gallstones have likely contributed to this condition).
Bottom line is, right now my liver is really not doing well. One of my new obstetricians spoke with us today, and said that the current dysfunction of my liver is, in his words, "impressive". This has a lot of potential implications for the remainder of my pregnancy and health of our baby. Doctors aren't able to predict how my liver, or baby, will continue to cope with my condition, thus, continuous monitoring is absolutely necessary to make sure that baby is delivered before anything takes a turn for the worst!
The plan
I will be induced by 37 weeks (January 3rd) at the LATEST, to reduce the possibility of a stillbirth. If mine or baby's health takes a turn before then, baby will be delivered sooner! Baby's heart is going to be monitored via CTG twice a week, and his growth is going to be monitored via ultrasound every 2 weeks. I will also have blood tests done once a week to keep an eagle eye on my liver function and all the rest. We are back to the hospital on Monday to kick off this plan!
We need prayer!
<> for baby to continue to grow strong and healthy in every way, and for his lungs to develop in record time, so that whether he comes at 37 weeks or sooner, they are strong little lungs
<> for my liver to heal, my bile to flow freely where it's supposed to, and the bile acidsthat have leaked into my bloodstream to go back where they need to
<> for my hands and feet to stop itching (the most common symptom of my condition) and causing sleepless nights for both Jype and I
<> for my body to be healthy enough to safely carry baby to 37 weeks so that he has as much time as possible to grow and get stronger
<> for my gallstones to miraculously dissolve, and for no gallbladder attacks before baby comes!
<>for no more complications of any kind
<> that Jype and I will continue to know God's peace, joy and wisdom as we walk through this, and for grace and strength over our marriage in what has already been an emotionally and physically exhausting season
<> for finances - we don't usually write so generally/broadly requesting prayer for financial support, but since my 1st trimester of pregnancy, it has been "one thing after another" regarding my health, which has resulted in so many blood tests, doctors visits and hospital visits, as well as continuous extra grocery expenses. Our overseas health insurance reimburses us some of the cost, but the medical bills are still piling up, and now with 2 hospital visits/week ahead of us, we aren't sure how we're going to keep up at this point. We would love prayer for this practical need!
Thank you so much for your care and concern and PRAYERS! We are so, so thankful for the amazing community of friends and family (both near and far) around us at this time.
Lots of love,
Krystal, Jype and baby
---------------------------
Baby Ue update (November 5):
Another hospital day, but some good news came out of it! Doctors decided today that we can stop the twice-weekly CTG’s (heart monitoring) of baby, because his growth and movement have been normal up to this point and his heart is beating well. If anything comes up, they’ll start them again. Also, my most recent bloods looked a bit better than the last so hopefully this trend continues! I’ll still be having biweekly clinics and ultrasounds, and weekly blood tests, but the situation looks slightly better today, rather than worse today. Thank you all so much for your prayers. We’ll keep you updated!
--------------------------
Baby Ue update (November 23):
Prayers are being answered! 2 hospital visits and an ultrasound this week, and baby is still growing at a normal rate and looking well. My most recent liver function and bile acid test results are much better than before - meds are working and everything is “normalising” for now. We are praying this trend continues and that baby keeps thriving and growing even bigger and stronger. Only 6 weeks to induction if everything goes to “plan” and he doesn’t need to be delivered earlier. We would love prayer that we both continue to do well!
Organizer and beneficiary
Rebecca Jantzen
Organizer
Toronto, ON
Krystal Ue
Beneficiary