Courtney Almazan gave birth to a 15 ounce baby named Giselle on November 17th at Mary Birch Hospital in San Diego, California via an emergency c-section after being diagnosed with Preeclampsia. The disease can damage a woman's organs, particularly the kidneys and liver, and even be fatal for the mother and baby.
According to a GoFundMe that was established for the family, Almazan's kidneys and organs started to fail as a result of the Preeclampsia. That's when doctors decided to perform the emergency c-section. Baby Giselle was born in mid-November at only 22 weeks old.
Her mother, however, suffered complications. Courtney was diagnosed with HELLP Syndrome, which usually occurs as a result of Preeclampsia. Complications from the rare disorder include seizures, stroke, liver rupture and placental abruption.
According to the Preeclampsia Foundation, HELLP Syndrome was actually named after its characteristics:
H (hemolysis, which is the breaking down of red blood cells)
EL (elevated liver enzymes)
LP (low platelet count)
While the family has asked for donations to help cover the cost of extended hospital stays for both Courtney and Giselle, they are also asking for those who are O-positive to donate blood. Giselle's body can't make blood fast enough for the various testing that has been required. In the last week alone she has had to undergo two blood transfusions.
Baby Giselle will need to have on-going blood transfusions through at least March of 2020, WTOL-TV reported.
Those who wish to make a blood donation are encouraged to donate at the San Diego Blood Bank and use the code "GF19."