An Oklahoma family is facing a distressing ordeal as both a mother and her newborn daughter are undergoing treatment for severe health complications in separate hospitals. Robbinjo Odum, 29, was diagnosed with necrotizing pancreatitis following what was expected to be a routine gallbladder removal surgery in May 2024. Shortly after receiving this diagnosis, she discovered she was pregnant with her second daughter, HazelJo, which came as a surprise to the family.
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Tragically, both Robbinjo and her baby girl have been hospitalised due to life-threatening conditions that have put a tremendous strain on their family. HazelJo was born prematurely on August 18, and immediately diagnosed with bladder exstrophy, anal and urogenital canal fusion, and chronic kidney disease, among other health issues. This challenging start has resulted in the newborn being cared for in Oklahoma Children’s Hospital, while Robbinjo remains at OU Medical Center.
Robbinjo’s husband, Cameron Odum, is caught in a difficult situation, as he must travel frequently between the two hospitals to support his wife and daughter while also caring for their two-year-old daughter at home. His efforts have been commendable, but the emotional and physical toll on him has been significant.
Cameron shared with ABC 7 Chicago the complexities of managing this situation. He expressed, “Hospice ended up taking [Robbinjo] to the doctor and everything after finding out she was 27 weeks pregnant. After that, they ended up transporting her up here to Children’s medical city.” The situation has left him with very little time to focus on his own well-being, as he balances the demands of caring for a sick family member and a young child.
The extent of the stress has been profound. “Me, myself, I’m struggling through the mentalness of it,” he said. “I can’t work. I can’t do anything. As a man, it’s belittling. It really, truthfully is. You’re supposed to sit here and take care of your family.” These sentiments highlight the emotional burden many face when thrust into unexpected hardships.
As of now, HazelJo is expected to be transferred to Bethany Children’s Hospital for further medical evaluation and tests. Cameron mentioned that her stay in hospital will likely be extended as medical professionals try to determine the best course of treatment. This ongoing uncertainty adds additional layers of worry for the family.
Robbinjo has also been open about her own struggles, stating in the GoFundMe campaign that she is reliant on high-flow oxygen and nutritional support through a GJ tube and TPN, owing to severe muscle and bone deterioration caused by her health condition. Her journey has been both physically and emotionally harrowing, marked by significant medical challenges that have consumed the family’s life since her diagnosis.
In response to their difficult circumstances, a GoFundMe campaign has been established to gather support for the Odum family, and it has so far raised nearly $21,500. This financial assistance is intended to help alleviate some of the stressors associated with their medical challenges, such as transportation costs and other related expenses that continue to escalate.
The Odum family’s situation serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictability of health crises and the resilience required in times of need. As they navigate this difficult chapter in their lives, the community’s outreach and support could play a vital role in providing them with the necessary resources to cope and recover fully.