By Message Staff
NEW ORLEANS – Urgent prayers have been issued by the family of newborn Lucy Rae Gaudet, who is facing multiple health problems as she continues her courageous fight at Children’s Hospital in New Orleans.
Gaudet, who is the daughter of Devin and Christian Gaudet, music associate at Calvary Baptist Church in Alexandria, was born prematurely at 30 weeks Jan. 28. She has been diagnosed with serious heart problems, including a complete heart block, and Down’s syndrome. This condition is a genetic disorder caused when abnormal cell division results in an extra full or partial copy of chromosome 21. This extra genetic material causes the developmental changes and physical features of Down syndrome.
Davin Gaudet has posted periodic updates on her Facebook page. She posted Feb. 3 doctors placed Lucy on antibiotics after they discovered a possible small infection. Lucy will receive an increased dose of Lasix, the medication that helps her pass fluid.
“It is working as they can see in her urine output but they would like to see more,” she wrote. “Doc says they always begin with the smallest dose to see its effects on blood pressure and then move from there. They will be giving her a second round of the meds to close the PDA valve in her heart as it got smaller with the first dose but did not close completely yet. This second round can’t be given until the Lasix is stopped as both could affect kidneys so it’s best not to be giving them both at the same time. Her brain scan showed no bleeds. This is a common occurrence in preemies, so we are thankful all that came back normal.
“All of this to say, our big things to pray for now are passing the fluid that she’s retaining, for the next round of bloodwork to show no signs of infection, and for her PDA valve to close on its own.”
Lucy and her parents could spend several months at Children’s Hospital in New Orleans, where she will continue to receive treatment from doctors and specialists.
Devin Gaudet said her family has been amazed at the support the family has received through prayers and words of encouragement.
“Every night as we leave the NICU we lay hands on Lucy’s little pod, pray our specific goals aloud for the next day, but most importantly we thank Him for another day with our sweet girl,” Gaudet wrote. “We don’t deserve her.
“As a wife I would also like to ask for prayers for my husband, Christian,” she continued. “(Today) he begins the journey of going back and forth to work and New Orleans every few days. I ask for prayers for safe travels and for his heart as being away from each other even for a few days during this time will be emotionally hard for us. I’m thankful he’s able to be here with us as frequently as he will be (his job has been so awesome about working with him) and I’m thankful for technology that will allow me to send all the cute pictures/videos our phones can hold. Please keep all three of us in your prayers this week as we all have a big week ahead.”
A Go Fund Me page, established by friends of the family to help offset medical and living expenses, had raised $3,440 through Monday, Feb. 4. Cards of encouragement may be sent to Hogs House Room No. 4, 200 Henry Clay Ave., New Orleans, LA 70118.
