Jennifer Supports March for Babies

We march to help raise awareness for Hydrops Fetalis. Ellie’s courageous story below explains this rare and usually fatal diagnosis. We hope that her story can bring hope to parents whose babies are diagnosed with Hydrops:

My pregnancy with our daughter Elodie Leigh Fuqua,“Ellie”, progressed normally until 28 weeks. I was retaining too much fluid amniotic fluid (a condition called polyhydramnious) and I was measuring 40 weeks pregnant with twins. There are rare complications associated with polyhydramnious but thankfully Ellie was fine. At 29 weeks, I had another ultrasound to check the fluid levels and Ellie. We then found out she had developed one of those “rare complications”: she had Hydrops. Hydrops is a very serious condition, found in about 1 per 5,000 births. It occurs when abnormal amounts of fluid build up in two or more internal areas of a fetus or newborn. It is basically congestive heart failure. Hydrops is usually a symptom of underlying problems like anatomical defects, chromosomal abnormalities, or various viruses. The severe edema that occurs with hydrops can overwhelm the baby's organ systems. Ellie had fluid in her chest, under her skin, in and around her belly, and around her brain. About 60-90 percent of unborn babies with hydrops do not survive. Risks for other complications are also high for babies born with hydrops, with survival often depending on the cause and treatment. I started seeing my obstetrician, Dr. McKenzie, every Tuesday and my high-risk pregnancy doctor, Dr. Gonzalez, every Friday. Dr. McKenzie focused on my health and Dr. Gonzalez focused on Ellie’s health with level 2 ultrasounds that measured the blood flow though her heart, brain, and umbilical cord. We never knew what would happen on Fridays. If Ellie’s numbers weren’t good then I would deliver that day. Both doctors said I could go into labor at any time and that there was no way that I would make it to 34 weeks. I was given 2 rounds of steroid shots to help Ellie’s lungs to develop just in case she was born early. When I miraculously made it to 35 weeks, Dr. McKenzie scheduled my C-Section for 37 weeks on September 1st for my health and Ellie’s. We were scared because of all the unknowns associated with Hydrops, especially the fact that she could die hours after birth. Ellie was born on September 1st at 9:08 am. She cried right away and everyone said that was a good thing. She was very puffy due to the fluid under her skin but was not intubated and only needed a little O2. The NICU doctor present during the C-Section, brought her by in her isolette for us to see her before heading to the NICU. Thankfully, she lost 12 ounces of fluid in one day, with no help from the doctors. Little by little, her anatomy scans, viral tests, and finally her chromosomal tests came back normal! By the Grace of God, Ellie was among the 1% where there was no cause for her case of Hydrops. Instead of the worst-case scenario, we got the very best. She spent one month in the NICU, due to the fact that she was born so sick, and came home a happy, healthy baby on October 1st 2016. Our Ellie is truly a miracle and a testament to God’s faithfulness. We know that He has great things in store for her! 


Fundraising Activity

Recent donation and sponsor messages.
$103.00 was donated by Anonymous
3 months ago
"Love you, Pops and Nanny D"
$226.60 was donated by Anonymous
3 months ago
"Proceeds from Elodie’s lemonade stand!"
R
Renee donated $50.00
3 months ago
"Hope you and your family are doing well!"

WE NEED TO UNITE, CONNECT AND FIGHT FOR FAMILIES

With preterm birth rates continuing to rise, the U.S. remains among the most dangerous developed nations for childbirth, especially for women and babies of color.

At March for Babies you're lifting up communities, creating connections and taking action to make America a more equitable place and ensure that every mom and baby is healthy.

Together, we’re marching to raise funds and awareness to transform the health of all families!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!


Saturday, April 26, 2025
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