In Support of Mercedes, Manny, and River
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On July 27th, my sister Mercedes and brother-in-law Manny welcomed their first child and my very first nibbling—that's the real term!—River. Unfortunately, there were complications during delivery, and River is currently in the NICU.
While pregnant, doctors had been monitoring a condition called CPAM (congenital pulmonary airway malformation), and as a precaution, Mercedes was advised to induce a week before her due date. The induction on July 20th didn't progress, and she was sent home to try again after her due date. A second attempt that began on July 25th also didn't succeed, and Mercedes ultimately had a C-section on the morning of the 27th.
Sometime during delivery, River experienced a period of reduced blood flow and oxygen—HIE (hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy)—unrelated to the CPAM. Shortly after birth, River's care team started her on a therapeutic cooling treatment: three days at a lowered body temperature to protect her brain, followed by a careful warming process, which began today, July 30th. In the coming days, she'll have an MRI to determine the extent, if any, of brain damage. Because of this, her stay in the NICU will be for at least ten days total.
Mercedes and Manny haven't been able to properly hold their daughter yet, and through it all, they've shown up for her with a steadiness and strength that already says everything about the kind of parents they are and will continue to be.
Mercedes will be discharged tomorrow, but their home is about an hour from the hospital in Pomona, and she has been advised not to drive due to her C-section. On their behalf, I am raising money for lodging nearby so she and Manny can be with River every day until they can finally hold her and bring her home—without adding a long commute on top of everything else.
They would never ask for this themselves, as they are beyond grateful for the support they've received thus far. If I could foot the whole bill, I would. But I can't, so here I am.
Any amount helps, and sharing this means just as much as giving. Thank you.
In the meantime, enjoy this playlist made for River: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6Tn8hFinQBs7VFIDsGbmRh
In the meantime, enjoy this playlist made for River: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6Tn8hFinQBs7VFIDsGbmRh
Updates
Keep up to date as needs change.
Aug 06, 2026
August 5th Update
Typing with tears in my eyes and a smile across my face—River. is. ...
Aug 04, 2026
August 4th Update
Hello, Riverfolk! Hope your weeks are off to a glorious start. Majo...
Aug 02, 2026
August 2nd Update
A beyond huge thank you to our dear family friend Jasmine, who shar...
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- Created Jul 31, 2026
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- Pregnancy / New Born
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Words of Support
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Maureen Stine 7 days ago • with donation
Deborah 10 days ago • on 'August 5th Update' update
Michellemsteward 10 days ago • on 'August 5th Update' update
Adrienne Hollingsworth 12 days ago • on 'August 4th Update' update
Tina Bryson 12 days ago • on 'August 4th Update' update
Sfrazier86149 12 days ago • on 'August 4th Update' update