Some of you are active on FB, so you've seen these posts.  For those of you who aren't, or who don't love me enough to friend me there, read on (or ignore as you see fit).

You may remember that we had a really scary time with Kalani's pregnancy and birth (she was born February 19th).  Donna had a condition called "placenta percreta", where the placenta basically acts like a tumor.  It grew out of the uterus and into the abdomen.  The doctors were unsure that the baby would even make it to viability (24 weeks); we were so very fortunate, and she got to 32 weeks.  Donna had extensive surgery which resulted in a hysterectomy and loss of almost half her bladder.  Kalani did really  well, all things considered - she spent 19 days in the NICU, went home without ever having to go fully on the ventilator.

While we were there, we met Caitlyn.  Caitlyn had the same condition as my wife, but she started bleeding uncontrollably at a mere 23 weeks, 3 days gestation.  Her baby was large and strong (for his age), so they elected to give him a chance.  Well, he did really, really well - all things considered.  He made it to the step down unit, was on the countdown to go home... then got an infection. 

Baby Oakley is still in the hospital today.  He has come very close to death several times, and has had a tracheotomy to allow for long term ventilator access.  They have been told that it will be after his birthday before they can even consider letting him go home, but the exact timeline is up in the air.

Caitlyn has a two year old and three year old daughter staying at home with her husband; they live 3.5 hours away.  She spends a few days here, then goes home for a few days.  Rinse and repeat. 

Her husband was a U.S. Marine who fell out of a helicopter during a training exercise on deployment.  He broke his back in the fall, lost full use of his body (the injuries are permanent).  His medical discharge disability is what they live off of; Caitlyn (age 23, without a college degree) was working as a waitress until she went into the hospital... she obviously has not worked since then.

Folks, these people are truly destitute; they have NOTHING.  The need is raw, and real, and ugly here.  And it's likely going to stay that way - odds are overwhelming that with the setback and such, baby Oakley is likely going to have moderate to severe developmental and healthcare issues; they just don't know yet.

My wife is organizing a drive to give these people Christmas.  We have gifts for the girls mostly covered now.  She is wanting to do at least a couple of gifts for mom and dad, some cash, grocery gift cards, gas cards, etc.  She's trying to see if we can get a local business to donate/discount a set of tires and brakes for the car.

So, here we are.  I know that there this siteis full of quality human beings, some of which are charitable.  So if you have the capacity, please consider giving here. 

Donna has a facebook event set up for this - let me know if you'd like an invite.  We're running donations through my paypal - [email protected].  If you donate that way, please choose to give to friends/family so as to save the fees.  If you have any creative ideas on how to help, please let me know.

Literally ANYTHING is appreciated.  Sure, we'll take those C notes... but $5 at a time adds up, especially to a family that again has NOTHING.

If you'd like to discuss further - but don't want to do it on the list - hit me up directly. [email protected] or 205.876.4145.

Thank you for your consideration, folks.

Bumping this for visibility.

It's a more than worthy cause, my dear Innmates and, as we get closer to a particular time of the year, it puts me in mind of one of my very favorite "Christmas songs."

Old City Bar - Trans-Siberian Orchestra

It is for a really, really good cause - a family that has basically nothing. 

Thanks to those who have helped or expressed interest in doing so.  It means a lot to me.