Finley's Stocking Fundraiser

Finley’s Story

When I became pregnant with our son, Finley, we knew he could be affected by HDFN - my early pregnancy screening came back positive for little-c antibodies. Our older son, Kieran, was also affected, but his case was mild, and at that time we didn’t yet understand how serious this condition could become or how critical specialized care was.

This time, everything changed. 

Pregnancy

I spent a good portion of any free time I had - while working full-time and being a mother to my two older sons - reading up on best-practice management for an alloimmunized pregnancy. Much of this education was guided by the Allo Hope Foundation’s resource materials, including articles, booklets, and their podcast. I would be working out at the gym, toggling between taking notes on my phone and listening to the podcast.

Thanks to the Allo Hope Foundation’s guidance, I was able to take proactive steps to best support Finley during pregnancy and beyond. These steps included:

• Increased monitoring by Maternal Fetal Medicine after sharing Allo Hope materials

• Switching practices to ensure a Level III NICU was available after delivery

• Developing a plan should an IUT or other relevant intervention be needed

Finley received weekly MCA scans to track his anemia starting at 16 weeks, as well as weekly non-stress tests beginning at 32 weeks. His anemia levels rose multiple times during pregnancy; however, he was fortunate to never need an intra-uterine transfusion. I received personal guidance from the Allo Hope team to seek a second opinion when Finley’s levels were just one point away from requiring one. His medical team was also closely monitoring several other important findings, including an enlarged abdomen and mild-to-moderate polyhydramnios (increased amniotic fluid), both believed to be compensatory responses to his rising anemia.

All of this preparation and monitoring paid off.

Delivery

Because of the maternal antibodies, Finley had a planned induction during his 37th week. Early on, Finley showed signs that his delivery might be complicated. Each time the team attempted the initial induction medication, Finley’s vitals dropped. While they returned to baseline each time, it was enough to prompt a change in approach.

After 24 hours of induction, my water broke, and Finley’s heart rate suddenly dropped into a dangerous range, signaling that he was no longer tolerating labor. The team acted immediately, performing a Level 1 emergency C-section to prevent further compromise.

Finley had difficulty breathing at birth and was immediately resuscitated and admitted to the NICU for evaluation. Testing confirmed hemolytic anemia and rapidly rising bilirubin levels. Within an hour of birth, Finley was visibly jaundiced, and his first series of interventions began. These included:

• Triple phototherapy (progressing to quadruple in the following days) to prevent bilirubin toxicity

• Two doses of IVIG to slow ongoing red blood cell destruction

• A red blood cell transfusion at 7 hours of life to support his anemia

Because these treatments were started early, Finley never required an exchange transfusion and showed no signs of neurologic injury. Over the following days, his bilirubin levels stabilized, his blood counts improved, and temporary complications resolved.

After seven days in the NICU - feeding well, breathing room air, and showing normal development - we were able to bring our baby home.

Post-NICU

The Allo Hope Foundation continues to positively impact Finley’s care. Because of their guidance, Finley avoided unnecessary iron supplementation both in the NICU and after discharge, which could have led to iron overload. They are also the reason he is receiving such excellent care through pediatric hematology, as the path to recovery from hemolytic anemia often does not end in the NICU.

Now two months old, Finley continues to be followed closely by hematology and is thriving. He is likely to be fully discharged from care in the near future.

Finley’s Stocking

Finley’s story highlights the importance of early identification, specialized monitoring, and timely intervention in pregnancies affected by red blood cell antibodies. Not every baby is fortunate to receive such care.

By contributing to Finley’s Stocking Fundraiser, you are not only honoring Finley and his journey, but also helping other families access the same life-saving information, referrals, and resources that made all the difference for us. Every donation fills Finley’s stocking with love and helps ensure that more babies have the chance to come home healthy and strong.

Thank you for helping us honor Finley and for standing with families facing HDFN around the world. Your generosity brings education, treatment, and hope to those who need it most.

From our family to yours, we wish you a beautiful and peaceful holiday season.

Learn more about The Allo Hope Foundation here: https://allohopefoundation.org