Harper Marie Laird Fighting Cancer
Donation protected
UPDATE: May 16, 2018
Harper continues to amaze the doctors at St. Jude with how well she is doing. Blood work came back good and immune system is coming up. Her AFP was an astonishing 7.7. God is so wonderful! All credit and praise goes to God.
They moved to Kingsport the first of April. Daddy has had some part time work in the last 16 months, and is trying everyday to get a full time job, it just hasn’t happened yet.
If you want to help Harper have a home of her very own in a place she is safe and has all the doctors she will need for her life to continue and improve, please consider donating.
Thank you all so very much!
April 23, 2018
Harper and her family have moved to a new town in order for Harper to have the orthopedic care she will need and a great genetics doctor. This has been a very difficult time on the extended family trying to make this happen. Dad has job applications out and praying for a good job. In the meantime there are still a lot of outstanding medical bills as well as expenses for food and everyday living. If you can help this family, please do. Thank you to all those who have helped and to those who are willing to help.
March 26, 2018
Harper has finished her chemo, and so far no cancer. Praying this stays that way. Being a BWS baby she will be at risk and tested until she is 8 years old.
Harper is getting ready to start with a whole new set of doctors and with her orthopedic care. With her right side larger than her left side, (straight down the middle of her body), she faces so may challenges in her little life. If you don't know what BWS is please look up and read. It is pretty rare, but our baby has it.
Doctor and medical bills are HUGE, if you can help this family, we would appreciate it so much.
Jan. 18, 2018
Harper was one year old Jan. 15. What a year this little darling has gone through along with her young parents. She had an 8 hour surgery to remove the cancerous tumors from her liver and place her organs inside her body in October in Georgetown D.C. Harper is going through chemo now and some days are just really bad; but she keeps smiling and fighting. By the grace of God they have made it through this year; but they need your help. Besides the doctors and hospital and treatment bills they are not able to pay, there is the everyday necessities of life, like rent, food and utilities. Neither parent has been able to work in a year due to all that has gone on and where they had to go for treatment for their baby girl.
Please if you can, help this family. God bless each of you.
UPDATE: Dec. 18, 2017
This note was written by Harper's precious Mother:
My daughter, Harper Laird, was born January 15th 2017. She was born with an omphalocele and BWS. BWS is a chromosome disorder. We are from Asheville NC, but ended up moving to Roanoke VA because she decided to come while we were visiting family away from home. She spent 113 days in the NICU, and in and out of the hospital since. She got liver cancer about 4 months ago, and we have had to go to Washington DC to have evaluations, and then back to DC for her major surgery for the omphalocele closure and to take the cancer out of her liver. We're drowning in medical bills, just for her they are over $400,000. We still haven't been able to pay for my c-section, and our insurance company is also fight us about the 4 cycles of chemotherapy she's getting. We won't have a bill for that until they deny all of the treatments; because in their eyes it's all medically unnecessary. If that's not enough on us our car is acting up and we have to jump it off every time we need to go somewhere. I'm asking for your help even if it's just enough for small things like diapers, wipes, laundry detergent, or even food. We're having a really hard time. I hope you consider helping us.
Merry Christmas and God bless you.
Dec.3, 2017
We have an urgent need at this time. The two old cars are just about to give out. Harper is still taking chemo weekly. One is better than the other, but the baby's car seat won't fit in the back. The one the seat fits into is about on it last leg and not sure how safe. With no family, and very few acquaintances living in the Roanoke area where they are; it is really hard. If you can help, it would be greatly appreciated. Please keep them and this need in your prayers. God is so good.
Nov. 10, 2017
Harper is doing really well. She starts chemo on Tues. Today she saw another new doctor. She went to be checked out by the orthopedic doctor. Probably will have growth plates in her right leg to slow the growth so the left one can catch up. But this will not be until her chemo is over. Please pray for her durning this time of her having chemo. Her parents received a bill from Georgetown for the first time they were up there for over $250,000.00 and yesterday received a bill for this last trip for $179,000.00. This is just the hospital, not the doctors or surgery. This does not include any of the Roanoke doctors and hospital. Now there are new doctors coming on. People have been so good to help, but it has only kept the rent paid, food bought and utilities paid. Their older cars are acting up as well, but still running. If you can help, we would appreciate it, if you know someone to share this with we would appreciate that too. Please continue to pray for them. God is so good to us all. Thank you all for what you do.
Oct. 28, 2017
This beautiful baby girl is fighting a fight that can only be won by God's miracles and His loving grace. She is doing so well, God is so good. She start chemo in a week or so. Please pass on to all you know.
Her family still needs your prayers and your financial support.
October 16, 2017
Harper had her surgery for the tumors on her liver and also had her organs placed inside now and no more omphalocele. She was in surgery 6 1/2 hours, a long time for a 9 month old baby. She is doing great, but will be in the hospital a while and then the parents have to stay in Georgetown at least 2 more weeks when she is released for her to be monitored. Then back to Roanoke and when she is well she will have to have chemo. Please consider helping this family with your support. They are really in need.
UPDATE: 9-21-2017 Things seem to change with the days. The drs. are just not sure what route to take with our baby. She is happy and healthy and thriving so well to have so many complications. She is such a little fighter and tough as nails. Now waiting in Roanoke for more biopsies to determine the correct route to take. This little family is in desperate need financially as they will probably be going back to Georgetown hospital in the near future, and if not, to one even farther away. Their car is not even in good enough shape to travel across country as they have and will have to do.
They are stressed to the max, unable to work due to all that is going on with their child and being on the road for her, and I am crying out to you all to pray for them; and help them if you can. May God bless each of you.
UPDATE: 9-2-2017
Harper has hemo blastoma cancer. She will be starting chemo within the next week. She and her parents are now in Georgetown, in Washington DC. Family and friends all in North Carolina.
They are in yet a new town with no family or friends and having to stay in a hotel at this time. Hoping to find other lodgings that are affordable.
They will be there for several months as Harper is in Georgetown Uni. Hospital. Medical bills are still coming in.
They really need your financial aid.
Please share this with anyone you know that would want to help out. Thank you and God bless you.
UPDAT ON HARPER: Aug. 31, 2017
Things have been happening lately. BWS babies can develope cancer in their early years. We have been praying that Harper would miss this battle. However, she has not missed it. She has two tumors on her liver and one on her spleen. After lots of testing and liver biopsy she has been transfered from Roanoke to George Town University Hospital. She is doing very well, and has the most magnetic personality for a 7 1/2 month old. The doctor there says that a transplant is the best option for our darling. So now the kids are in George Town, and we do not know for how long. They really need your prayers and your financial support. If you are able, I hope you will consider helping them. This has been a long road, and looks like it is going to be longer still, but God is good, and Harper is worth all it takes.
Aug. 2017
My great granddaughter was born with Beckwith Wiedemann Syndrome (BWS) Jan. 15, 2017. She got two number 11 chromosomes from her daddy instead of one from dad and one from mom. They are from Asheville, NC but were visiting mom’s great grandmother in VA when baby Harper Marie Laird decided to enter the world 5 weeks early. She was actually delivered by c-section in Bluefield, WVA. Because of the BWS she was born with 75% of her liver and intestines in a sac on the outside of her tummy. BWS causes over growth, so these organs got too big to get inside so the umbilical could close up the tummy. This baby will be tested for cancer until she is 8 years old because BWS babies can develop cancer in the early years of their life. Her right side is larger than her left, but she is beautiful and doing so well.
The problem is that not that many people know about BWS and so when we did the gofundme.com/harper-marie-laird fund, we have not gotten a really good response, this family need financial aid. Family and friends have helped, but are not able to do all that is needed.
In VA the Medicaid is different than in NC. They have several different ones and where one will pay for one medicine, the other won’t but will pay for another. She is on a liver medicine that is over $600.00 and she must have it. The Medicaid she is on right now only pays a portion. Also there are other compound medicines she has to have and Medicaid only pays a portion.
If you can help us out on this for this family, we greatly appreciate anything you can do.
Harper will have her big closure surgery coming up soon. There again will be things that the Medicaid does not cover. If she has to have tongue reduction (which we are praying she will not have to have) because her tongue is larger and longer on the right than on the left, one doctor said this is cosmetic surgery. This is not just cosmetic surgery, it effects her swallowing and will effect her life.
In WVA where Harper was delivered by c-section by a team they had to call in, then bagged and sent to Roanoke, VA; the hospital and doctors will not do Medicaid, they want paid. The bills are huge and no money to cover.
These kids are young, first child, and scared. They have done well, but they are in Roanoke, VA with no family or friends. They really need financial aid. It takes all their time to take care of this baby, and she is a beauty.
Help if you can and God bless you if you would pray for these needs.
Jan. 2017
Harper Marie Laird was born approximately 5 weeks early. She has BWS which caused her to be born with her liver and intestines in a sac on the outside of her body. She was to be born in Asheville, NC where the family all live. The doctors in Asheville were up-to-date on her condition and were planning her birth.
Her parents were in Tazwell, VA visiting her grandparents. Suddenly Mom was having contractions and had to be taken to Bluefield hospital where she gave birth by c-section. Harper had to be rushed to Roanoke to the NICU there. Mom did not get to be with her baby until the next day.
The pediatric surgeon says she will be in the hospital for 4 to 5 months, and cannot have surgery to replace her organs until she is approximately one and one half to two years old. The parents need to stay in Roanoke, VA for these years.
So, Mom and Dad are now in a different state, young, and so far do not have jobs. Harper was born Jan. 15, 2017, so they are wondering what to do about how to pay for a place to live and how to support themselves as well as medical bills already huge and more to come.
The family is doing everything they can to help, but it is just not enough. We need funds soon in order for the Mom and Dad to have a place to live and buy food. This would mean that they can be safe and find work to support themselves. They need to be at the hospital as much as possible to nurture baby Harper.
May 12, 2017
As we approach Mother's Day the wonderful news is that Harper got to go home on Monday May 8, and she is such a sweet happy baby. Smiles all the time when she is not hungry. She is still fed by a G-tube in her tummy that will stay in until after she has her big surgery to place her intestines and liver back inside her body. This family is in great financial need. If you can help, we really appreciate it. Please pray for her and Mom and Dad also.
May 2, 2017
Harper had her surgery yesterday, May 1, to place the feeding tube into her tummy. She did great and is doing very well. Mom and Dad are looking forward to taking her home in a few weeks. Here is a new picture that the NICU had a photographer come in to take. Still need reliable car and financial aid. If you can help, we thank you. If you will pray for them we greatly appreciate it.
April 27, 2017
Harper has had an infection, but the antibiotics are working and she is feeling better. She is growing and has the sweetest personality. I wish she was closer to us and that we could see her more. Her Mom and Dad are still struggling and really need your financial help if you can help. Please pray for them. Thank you and bless you for praying.
April 24, 2017
Harper is doing well. She has to have surgery Wednesday, April 26 to have a feeding tube put into her tummy. Please pray for her and family. Mom and Dad are having car trouble today, had to rent a car until they can get theirs towed to a garage to get it fixed. Really needing financial help. Thank each and every one of you for helping in any way.
April 14, 2017
My kids are in desperate need. They need to get a good used vehicle. The one they are driving is very old and has broken down a couple of times on them up in Roanoke. They know no one other than other parents they have met in the hospital. When Harper goes home, her Mom cannot be without a car, in case something happens. With Dad at work when he gets a job the car will be gone. There are lots of obstacles in the way any which way we go.
Harper’s heart medicine, per dose, has to be picked up each day at the hospital. So Mom will have to have a way, while the nurse is with Harper. There is so much I could tell you that they are going through, but it would take a while.
Help in this need is greatly appreciated.
April 12, 2017
Please Read Update on Harper Marie Laird
So, our little angel is going to get to go home from the hospital in few more weeks. Her parents have started preparing for this by staying at the hospital around the clock for 5 days to learn how to care for her and feed her. She will be having a G-tube placed in her stomach so if she doesn't eat enough by bottle, they can feed her that way. The hospital has a room with bath/shower for them to stay in for this training.
Her nursery at home is ready. But they have to move again. Their apartment is on the third floor, and she will have so much equipment (like oxygen and her just being in her special seat) that the third floor is impossible. The doctor also said that it would not work for fear of joshling her too much.
Who would ever have thought that something like this would have to be, before you could take your baby home from the hospital. They are nervous, and very excited. They also will have to have a nurse in home for 12 to 14 hours a day.
They need financial help and they need your prayers. The apartment complex is giving them a lot of trouble because they have to move, even though their lease is up April 30, and they told the office the first of March that they were looking for a house or something on the first floor.
So, please pray and support them if you are able. We greatly appreciate everything anyone has done or will do.
April 9, 2017
FROM HARPER'S DADDY:
Gordon Laird
Please read, pray and share the story of my daughter, Harper Marie who was born with BWS, and she was also born with an Omphalocele which contains 60% liver 70% large intestine. An Omphalocele is where the babies organs travel into the umbilical cord during the 9th an 12th week of pregnancy, an in some cases like Harper the organs grow too large to re-enter the body, so they get stuck inside the umbilical cord an causes an abdominal wall defect. My daughter has been in the NICU at Coreleone Roanoke Memorial Hospital since January 15 2017. We have been 3 months in the hospital, and I have to say it's been the hardest 3 months ever for my family. I thank each an every person who have said a prayer or shared our story, you truly have no idea how much it means to us.
So please share this with everyone you know and please say a prayer for us. Thank you!
Please read Harper's story, she was born with BWS, (Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome). Read all updates for progress she has made.
April 6, 2017
Each year approximately 4,000,000 babies are born in the U.S. There are approximately 300 babies born with BWS. There is not a lot of awareness of this birth defect, therefore it is hard for people to understand all the things a BWS baby and their family face in life. Check out Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome facts on the BWS website. We pray constantly for Harper to overcome all these obstacles that she may face in her life. We ask for your continue support financially and prayerfully.
March 26, 2017
This is an update to the original story about Harper Marie Laird.
Now Harper is 2 months and 11 days old. She is growing and improving as each day goes by. She still has things that happen along the way, like worry about infections, and having to have blood when hers get low. But she is such a little darling.
Her parents are, Dad, 25 years old; and Mom, 21 years old. They are a very young couple to have to be going through all of this. As stated in the original story, they lived in Asheville, NC and Harper was going to be born there. While visiting Mom’s grandmother in January, Harper decided she was coming into the world. She was not due until February 21, but made her debue January 15. Mom had to be rushed to the closest hospital. This was in Bluefield, WVA. They did do the c-section that was necessary in order not to lose Harper or Mom. Then Harper had to be transported by ambulance along with Dad to Roanoke, VA. She was taken to, and remains in, Carilion Memorial NICU in Roanoke.
So starts the journey of what to do and how to live. Mom and Dad had to be relocated from Asheville, NC to Roanoke, VA. Family and friends have done all they can to put them in an apartment there and support them thus far. Harper will be in hospital until she is 4 to 5 months old. As told in original story Harper has BWS. Seventy-five percent of her liver and intestines are in a sac on the outside of her tummy. She will not be able to have surgery until she is 1 ½ to 2 years old. When she leaves the hospital she will have to have a nurse with her approximately 12 to 14 hours a day. She is too fragile to move to Asheville, and she has wonderful doctors there in Roanoke.
Mom and Dad have an older car and it has broken down a couple of times already. Family has gotten it fixed and are praying it will hold up. Neither is working yet, they have this one car and they have meetings with doctors 2 and 3 times a week about Harper. They have to learn how to take care of her when she does come home. She is pretty fragile compared to most babies. She will have lots of doctor visits and so Mom needs a car too. At this time there is no way to acquire one, so this is another problem. The only people this couple know in Roanoke are the few couples they have met at the hospital and doctors and nurses. No one to call upon when the car breaks down.
Dad has an interview this next week, but it is for a part-time job. We are praying for full time.
This couple is not the only couple to go through a situation out of the ordinary, but for them it has been one nerve-racking situation. Days, and even a few weeks, wondering if Harper would survive. Calling out to God to heal and help their baby to grow and be strong. God has been so good, and now I am really reaching out to anyone who can to help them out. They really need your support in donations and prayers. Any and all financial aid would be greatly appreciated.
Jan. 2017
Harper Marie Laird was born approximately 5 weeks early. She has BWS which caused her to be born with her liver and intestines in a sac on the outside of her body. She was to be born in Asheville, NC where the family all live. The doctors in Asheville were up-to-date on her condition and were planning her birth.
Her parents were in Tazwell, VA visiting her grandparents. Suddenly Mom was having contractions and had to be taken to Bluefield hospital where she gave birth by c-section. Harper had to be rushed to Roanoke to the NICU there. Mom did not get to be with her baby until the next day.
The pediatric surgeon says she will be in the hospital for 4 to 5 months, and cannot have surgery to replace her organs until she is approximately one and one half to two years old. The parents need to stay in Roanoke, VA for these years.
So, Mom and Dad are now in a different state, young, and so far do not have jobs. Harper was born Jan. 15, 2017, so they are wondering what to do about how to pay for a place to live and how to support themselves as well as medical bills already huge and more to come.
The family is doing everything they can to help, but it is just not enough. We need funds soon in order for the Mom and Dad to have a place to live and buy food. This would mean that they can be safe and find work to support themselves. They need to be at the hospital as much as possible to nurture baby Harper.
Harper continues to amaze the doctors at St. Jude with how well she is doing. Blood work came back good and immune system is coming up. Her AFP was an astonishing 7.7. God is so wonderful! All credit and praise goes to God.
They moved to Kingsport the first of April. Daddy has had some part time work in the last 16 months, and is trying everyday to get a full time job, it just hasn’t happened yet.
If you want to help Harper have a home of her very own in a place she is safe and has all the doctors she will need for her life to continue and improve, please consider donating.
Thank you all so very much!
April 23, 2018
Harper and her family have moved to a new town in order for Harper to have the orthopedic care she will need and a great genetics doctor. This has been a very difficult time on the extended family trying to make this happen. Dad has job applications out and praying for a good job. In the meantime there are still a lot of outstanding medical bills as well as expenses for food and everyday living. If you can help this family, please do. Thank you to all those who have helped and to those who are willing to help.
March 26, 2018
Harper has finished her chemo, and so far no cancer. Praying this stays that way. Being a BWS baby she will be at risk and tested until she is 8 years old.
Harper is getting ready to start with a whole new set of doctors and with her orthopedic care. With her right side larger than her left side, (straight down the middle of her body), she faces so may challenges in her little life. If you don't know what BWS is please look up and read. It is pretty rare, but our baby has it.
Doctor and medical bills are HUGE, if you can help this family, we would appreciate it so much.
Jan. 18, 2018
Harper was one year old Jan. 15. What a year this little darling has gone through along with her young parents. She had an 8 hour surgery to remove the cancerous tumors from her liver and place her organs inside her body in October in Georgetown D.C. Harper is going through chemo now and some days are just really bad; but she keeps smiling and fighting. By the grace of God they have made it through this year; but they need your help. Besides the doctors and hospital and treatment bills they are not able to pay, there is the everyday necessities of life, like rent, food and utilities. Neither parent has been able to work in a year due to all that has gone on and where they had to go for treatment for their baby girl.
Please if you can, help this family. God bless each of you.
UPDATE: Dec. 18, 2017
This note was written by Harper's precious Mother:
My daughter, Harper Laird, was born January 15th 2017. She was born with an omphalocele and BWS. BWS is a chromosome disorder. We are from Asheville NC, but ended up moving to Roanoke VA because she decided to come while we were visiting family away from home. She spent 113 days in the NICU, and in and out of the hospital since. She got liver cancer about 4 months ago, and we have had to go to Washington DC to have evaluations, and then back to DC for her major surgery for the omphalocele closure and to take the cancer out of her liver. We're drowning in medical bills, just for her they are over $400,000. We still haven't been able to pay for my c-section, and our insurance company is also fight us about the 4 cycles of chemotherapy she's getting. We won't have a bill for that until they deny all of the treatments; because in their eyes it's all medically unnecessary. If that's not enough on us our car is acting up and we have to jump it off every time we need to go somewhere. I'm asking for your help even if it's just enough for small things like diapers, wipes, laundry detergent, or even food. We're having a really hard time. I hope you consider helping us.
Merry Christmas and God bless you.
Dec.3, 2017
We have an urgent need at this time. The two old cars are just about to give out. Harper is still taking chemo weekly. One is better than the other, but the baby's car seat won't fit in the back. The one the seat fits into is about on it last leg and not sure how safe. With no family, and very few acquaintances living in the Roanoke area where they are; it is really hard. If you can help, it would be greatly appreciated. Please keep them and this need in your prayers. God is so good.
Nov. 10, 2017
Harper is doing really well. She starts chemo on Tues. Today she saw another new doctor. She went to be checked out by the orthopedic doctor. Probably will have growth plates in her right leg to slow the growth so the left one can catch up. But this will not be until her chemo is over. Please pray for her durning this time of her having chemo. Her parents received a bill from Georgetown for the first time they were up there for over $250,000.00 and yesterday received a bill for this last trip for $179,000.00. This is just the hospital, not the doctors or surgery. This does not include any of the Roanoke doctors and hospital. Now there are new doctors coming on. People have been so good to help, but it has only kept the rent paid, food bought and utilities paid. Their older cars are acting up as well, but still running. If you can help, we would appreciate it, if you know someone to share this with we would appreciate that too. Please continue to pray for them. God is so good to us all. Thank you all for what you do.
Oct. 28, 2017
This beautiful baby girl is fighting a fight that can only be won by God's miracles and His loving grace. She is doing so well, God is so good. She start chemo in a week or so. Please pass on to all you know.
Her family still needs your prayers and your financial support.
October 16, 2017
Harper had her surgery for the tumors on her liver and also had her organs placed inside now and no more omphalocele. She was in surgery 6 1/2 hours, a long time for a 9 month old baby. She is doing great, but will be in the hospital a while and then the parents have to stay in Georgetown at least 2 more weeks when she is released for her to be monitored. Then back to Roanoke and when she is well she will have to have chemo. Please consider helping this family with your support. They are really in need.
UPDATE: 9-21-2017 Things seem to change with the days. The drs. are just not sure what route to take with our baby. She is happy and healthy and thriving so well to have so many complications. She is such a little fighter and tough as nails. Now waiting in Roanoke for more biopsies to determine the correct route to take. This little family is in desperate need financially as they will probably be going back to Georgetown hospital in the near future, and if not, to one even farther away. Their car is not even in good enough shape to travel across country as they have and will have to do.
They are stressed to the max, unable to work due to all that is going on with their child and being on the road for her, and I am crying out to you all to pray for them; and help them if you can. May God bless each of you.
UPDATE: 9-2-2017
Harper has hemo blastoma cancer. She will be starting chemo within the next week. She and her parents are now in Georgetown, in Washington DC. Family and friends all in North Carolina.
They are in yet a new town with no family or friends and having to stay in a hotel at this time. Hoping to find other lodgings that are affordable.
They will be there for several months as Harper is in Georgetown Uni. Hospital. Medical bills are still coming in.
They really need your financial aid.
Please share this with anyone you know that would want to help out. Thank you and God bless you.
UPDAT ON HARPER: Aug. 31, 2017
Things have been happening lately. BWS babies can develope cancer in their early years. We have been praying that Harper would miss this battle. However, she has not missed it. She has two tumors on her liver and one on her spleen. After lots of testing and liver biopsy she has been transfered from Roanoke to George Town University Hospital. She is doing very well, and has the most magnetic personality for a 7 1/2 month old. The doctor there says that a transplant is the best option for our darling. So now the kids are in George Town, and we do not know for how long. They really need your prayers and your financial support. If you are able, I hope you will consider helping them. This has been a long road, and looks like it is going to be longer still, but God is good, and Harper is worth all it takes.
Aug. 2017
My great granddaughter was born with Beckwith Wiedemann Syndrome (BWS) Jan. 15, 2017. She got two number 11 chromosomes from her daddy instead of one from dad and one from mom. They are from Asheville, NC but were visiting mom’s great grandmother in VA when baby Harper Marie Laird decided to enter the world 5 weeks early. She was actually delivered by c-section in Bluefield, WVA. Because of the BWS she was born with 75% of her liver and intestines in a sac on the outside of her tummy. BWS causes over growth, so these organs got too big to get inside so the umbilical could close up the tummy. This baby will be tested for cancer until she is 8 years old because BWS babies can develop cancer in the early years of their life. Her right side is larger than her left, but she is beautiful and doing so well.
The problem is that not that many people know about BWS and so when we did the gofundme.com/harper-marie-laird fund, we have not gotten a really good response, this family need financial aid. Family and friends have helped, but are not able to do all that is needed.
In VA the Medicaid is different than in NC. They have several different ones and where one will pay for one medicine, the other won’t but will pay for another. She is on a liver medicine that is over $600.00 and she must have it. The Medicaid she is on right now only pays a portion. Also there are other compound medicines she has to have and Medicaid only pays a portion.
If you can help us out on this for this family, we greatly appreciate anything you can do.
Harper will have her big closure surgery coming up soon. There again will be things that the Medicaid does not cover. If she has to have tongue reduction (which we are praying she will not have to have) because her tongue is larger and longer on the right than on the left, one doctor said this is cosmetic surgery. This is not just cosmetic surgery, it effects her swallowing and will effect her life.
In WVA where Harper was delivered by c-section by a team they had to call in, then bagged and sent to Roanoke, VA; the hospital and doctors will not do Medicaid, they want paid. The bills are huge and no money to cover.
These kids are young, first child, and scared. They have done well, but they are in Roanoke, VA with no family or friends. They really need financial aid. It takes all their time to take care of this baby, and she is a beauty.
Help if you can and God bless you if you would pray for these needs.
Jan. 2017
Harper Marie Laird was born approximately 5 weeks early. She has BWS which caused her to be born with her liver and intestines in a sac on the outside of her body. She was to be born in Asheville, NC where the family all live. The doctors in Asheville were up-to-date on her condition and were planning her birth.
Her parents were in Tazwell, VA visiting her grandparents. Suddenly Mom was having contractions and had to be taken to Bluefield hospital where she gave birth by c-section. Harper had to be rushed to Roanoke to the NICU there. Mom did not get to be with her baby until the next day.
The pediatric surgeon says she will be in the hospital for 4 to 5 months, and cannot have surgery to replace her organs until she is approximately one and one half to two years old. The parents need to stay in Roanoke, VA for these years.
So, Mom and Dad are now in a different state, young, and so far do not have jobs. Harper was born Jan. 15, 2017, so they are wondering what to do about how to pay for a place to live and how to support themselves as well as medical bills already huge and more to come.
The family is doing everything they can to help, but it is just not enough. We need funds soon in order for the Mom and Dad to have a place to live and buy food. This would mean that they can be safe and find work to support themselves. They need to be at the hospital as much as possible to nurture baby Harper.
May 12, 2017
As we approach Mother's Day the wonderful news is that Harper got to go home on Monday May 8, and she is such a sweet happy baby. Smiles all the time when she is not hungry. She is still fed by a G-tube in her tummy that will stay in until after she has her big surgery to place her intestines and liver back inside her body. This family is in great financial need. If you can help, we really appreciate it. Please pray for her and Mom and Dad also.
May 2, 2017
Harper had her surgery yesterday, May 1, to place the feeding tube into her tummy. She did great and is doing very well. Mom and Dad are looking forward to taking her home in a few weeks. Here is a new picture that the NICU had a photographer come in to take. Still need reliable car and financial aid. If you can help, we thank you. If you will pray for them we greatly appreciate it.
April 27, 2017
Harper has had an infection, but the antibiotics are working and she is feeling better. She is growing and has the sweetest personality. I wish she was closer to us and that we could see her more. Her Mom and Dad are still struggling and really need your financial help if you can help. Please pray for them. Thank you and bless you for praying.
April 24, 2017
Harper is doing well. She has to have surgery Wednesday, April 26 to have a feeding tube put into her tummy. Please pray for her and family. Mom and Dad are having car trouble today, had to rent a car until they can get theirs towed to a garage to get it fixed. Really needing financial help. Thank each and every one of you for helping in any way.
April 14, 2017
My kids are in desperate need. They need to get a good used vehicle. The one they are driving is very old and has broken down a couple of times on them up in Roanoke. They know no one other than other parents they have met in the hospital. When Harper goes home, her Mom cannot be without a car, in case something happens. With Dad at work when he gets a job the car will be gone. There are lots of obstacles in the way any which way we go.
Harper’s heart medicine, per dose, has to be picked up each day at the hospital. So Mom will have to have a way, while the nurse is with Harper. There is so much I could tell you that they are going through, but it would take a while.
Help in this need is greatly appreciated.
April 12, 2017
Please Read Update on Harper Marie Laird
So, our little angel is going to get to go home from the hospital in few more weeks. Her parents have started preparing for this by staying at the hospital around the clock for 5 days to learn how to care for her and feed her. She will be having a G-tube placed in her stomach so if she doesn't eat enough by bottle, they can feed her that way. The hospital has a room with bath/shower for them to stay in for this training.
Her nursery at home is ready. But they have to move again. Their apartment is on the third floor, and she will have so much equipment (like oxygen and her just being in her special seat) that the third floor is impossible. The doctor also said that it would not work for fear of joshling her too much.
Who would ever have thought that something like this would have to be, before you could take your baby home from the hospital. They are nervous, and very excited. They also will have to have a nurse in home for 12 to 14 hours a day.
They need financial help and they need your prayers. The apartment complex is giving them a lot of trouble because they have to move, even though their lease is up April 30, and they told the office the first of March that they were looking for a house or something on the first floor.
So, please pray and support them if you are able. We greatly appreciate everything anyone has done or will do.
April 9, 2017
FROM HARPER'S DADDY:
Gordon Laird
Please read, pray and share the story of my daughter, Harper Marie who was born with BWS, and she was also born with an Omphalocele which contains 60% liver 70% large intestine. An Omphalocele is where the babies organs travel into the umbilical cord during the 9th an 12th week of pregnancy, an in some cases like Harper the organs grow too large to re-enter the body, so they get stuck inside the umbilical cord an causes an abdominal wall defect. My daughter has been in the NICU at Coreleone Roanoke Memorial Hospital since January 15 2017. We have been 3 months in the hospital, and I have to say it's been the hardest 3 months ever for my family. I thank each an every person who have said a prayer or shared our story, you truly have no idea how much it means to us.
So please share this with everyone you know and please say a prayer for us. Thank you!
Please read Harper's story, she was born with BWS, (Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome). Read all updates for progress she has made.
April 6, 2017
Each year approximately 4,000,000 babies are born in the U.S. There are approximately 300 babies born with BWS. There is not a lot of awareness of this birth defect, therefore it is hard for people to understand all the things a BWS baby and their family face in life. Check out Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome facts on the BWS website. We pray constantly for Harper to overcome all these obstacles that she may face in her life. We ask for your continue support financially and prayerfully.
March 26, 2017
This is an update to the original story about Harper Marie Laird.
Now Harper is 2 months and 11 days old. She is growing and improving as each day goes by. She still has things that happen along the way, like worry about infections, and having to have blood when hers get low. But she is such a little darling.
Her parents are, Dad, 25 years old; and Mom, 21 years old. They are a very young couple to have to be going through all of this. As stated in the original story, they lived in Asheville, NC and Harper was going to be born there. While visiting Mom’s grandmother in January, Harper decided she was coming into the world. She was not due until February 21, but made her debue January 15. Mom had to be rushed to the closest hospital. This was in Bluefield, WVA. They did do the c-section that was necessary in order not to lose Harper or Mom. Then Harper had to be transported by ambulance along with Dad to Roanoke, VA. She was taken to, and remains in, Carilion Memorial NICU in Roanoke.
So starts the journey of what to do and how to live. Mom and Dad had to be relocated from Asheville, NC to Roanoke, VA. Family and friends have done all they can to put them in an apartment there and support them thus far. Harper will be in hospital until she is 4 to 5 months old. As told in original story Harper has BWS. Seventy-five percent of her liver and intestines are in a sac on the outside of her tummy. She will not be able to have surgery until she is 1 ½ to 2 years old. When she leaves the hospital she will have to have a nurse with her approximately 12 to 14 hours a day. She is too fragile to move to Asheville, and she has wonderful doctors there in Roanoke.
Mom and Dad have an older car and it has broken down a couple of times already. Family has gotten it fixed and are praying it will hold up. Neither is working yet, they have this one car and they have meetings with doctors 2 and 3 times a week about Harper. They have to learn how to take care of her when she does come home. She is pretty fragile compared to most babies. She will have lots of doctor visits and so Mom needs a car too. At this time there is no way to acquire one, so this is another problem. The only people this couple know in Roanoke are the few couples they have met at the hospital and doctors and nurses. No one to call upon when the car breaks down.
Dad has an interview this next week, but it is for a part-time job. We are praying for full time.
This couple is not the only couple to go through a situation out of the ordinary, but for them it has been one nerve-racking situation. Days, and even a few weeks, wondering if Harper would survive. Calling out to God to heal and help their baby to grow and be strong. God has been so good, and now I am really reaching out to anyone who can to help them out. They really need your support in donations and prayers. Any and all financial aid would be greatly appreciated.
Jan. 2017
Harper Marie Laird was born approximately 5 weeks early. She has BWS which caused her to be born with her liver and intestines in a sac on the outside of her body. She was to be born in Asheville, NC where the family all live. The doctors in Asheville were up-to-date on her condition and were planning her birth.
Her parents were in Tazwell, VA visiting her grandparents. Suddenly Mom was having contractions and had to be taken to Bluefield hospital where she gave birth by c-section. Harper had to be rushed to Roanoke to the NICU there. Mom did not get to be with her baby until the next day.
The pediatric surgeon says she will be in the hospital for 4 to 5 months, and cannot have surgery to replace her organs until she is approximately one and one half to two years old. The parents need to stay in Roanoke, VA for these years.
So, Mom and Dad are now in a different state, young, and so far do not have jobs. Harper was born Jan. 15, 2017, so they are wondering what to do about how to pay for a place to live and how to support themselves as well as medical bills already huge and more to come.
The family is doing everything they can to help, but it is just not enough. We need funds soon in order for the Mom and Dad to have a place to live and buy food. This would mean that they can be safe and find work to support themselves. They need to be at the hospital as much as possible to nurture baby Harper.
Organizer
Betty Penland Laird
Organizer
Candler, NC