NJ-2026-0009: Parents caring for a toddler with severe epilepsy and cerebral palsy after brain bleeds at birth

FAMILY BACKGROUND:
A mother and father in Morristown waited ten long years to grow their family from three to four. Their youngest daughter, now almost 2, suffered the most severe grade of brain bleeds at birth, and they went undetected until it was too late. She now lives with severe epilepsy, cerebral palsy and vision problems. She is the family's biggest joy, but her parents are heartbroken knowing they may never see her walk or talk. Every ER visit and every pediatric ICU stay, sometimes with her intubated in a medically induced coma, takes a toll on the family's mental health and on their bills. They do every therapy they can get and afford, and they found a daycare that would accept her. Her mother is hoping to save enough for a stem cell therapy program for her daughter. Wanting a sibling to share the care of her sister as they grow, she became pregnant this spring, but lost the baby at 10 weeks and needed surgery and a blood transfusion. She did not give up, went through IVF despite the cost, and is now in the early weeks of a new pregnancy, hoping for a healthy rainbow baby next year. She lives with rheumatoid arthritis herself, and her parents passed away many years ago. Their older daughter is 10. A healthy, happy family is all this mother has ever wanted, and she says this program gives her comfort and hope to keep going.

CITY: Morristown, NJ 07960
STATE: New Jersey
COUNTY: MORRIS
HOUSEHOLD SIZE: 4
HEALTH CONDITIONS IN HOUSEHOLD: Cerebral palsy; immune system or autoimmune disorder, including lupus or rheumatoid arthritis; severe epilepsy; vision problems
HOW THE FAMILY CAN RECEIVE GIFTS: No preference

HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD:
Age: 38
Sex: Female
Clothing Size: Women's 0
Shoe Size: Women's 8
Wishlist: Grocery store gift cards

ADULT #2:
Age: 37
Sex: Male
Clothing Size: Men's M
Shoe Size: Men's 13.5
Wishlist: Grocery or other store gift cards

CHILD #1:
Age: 10
Sex: Female
Clothing Size: Kids 10
Shoe Size: Youth 2
Wishlist: A bulletin board for her room

CHILD #2:
Age: 1
Sex: Female
Clothing Size: Toddler 2T
Shoe Size: Toddler 6
Wishlist: Size 4 diapers (any brand)