Paralympian athlete Jessica-Jane Applegate and her partner Declan Jermy are navigating a particularly challenging chapter in their lives following the early birth of their daughter, Alara. Born on May 29, at just 23 weeks and 2 days of gestation, Alara currently remains in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), where she is receiving critical medical attention.
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The couple discovered they were expecting their first child in January, a moment which Applegate described as “the most incredible news”. Their joy was partially tempered by complications during the pregnancy. “I experienced bleeding for many weeks due to a haematoma, but thankfully it resolved by 16 weeks,” the 29-year-old athlete recounted. Following this period of uncertainty, Applegate and Jermy eagerly anticipated a baby girl, whom they named Alara.
As the pregnancy progressed, they opted to keep the news private until after their 20-week scan due to early complications. However, they later felt secure enough to share their excitement online. An Instagram post from early May featured the couple playfully revealing their baby’s gender with matching hats adorned with “Mom” and “Dad”, and a caption that simply read, “We’ve been keeping a secret.”
Unfortunately, Applegate’s joy was short-lived. Shortly after their gender reveal, she began experiencing significant bleeding. Her partner advocated for further examination when the hospital was preparing to discharge her. “After 48 hours in hospital waiting for the bleeding to settle, they discovered my cervix had already opened,” she said. The couple was then faced with the daunting decision to transfer Applegate to a higher-level NICU, knowing the risks associated with such a move. Ultimately, they prioritised their daughter’s chances of survival, recognising that remaining at their initial hospital would severely limit Alara’s prospects.
Upon arriving at the specialist facility, Applegate was placed on bed rest and received medication aimed at prolonging the pregnancy. However, Alara entered the world weighing slightly over 1 lb. “From that moment, our lives changed forever,” Applegate expressed, as her newborn was put on life support and immediately began a long battle for survival.
As of now, Alara is one month old and nearing 27 weeks of corrected gestation, having already achieved significant milestones. Applegate described her daughter as “a little warrior” who has undergone surgeries, received multiple blood transfusions, and is currently grappling with the development of her fragile lungs.
The ongoing medical situation has placed a considerable financial strain on the couple. Declan Jermy has been required to take extensive leave from work to support them, but Applegate indicated that paternity leave and statutory pay do not adequately address their circumstances. “We’ve faced numerous unexpected costs, including a hospital-grade breast pump, travel expenses between home and the hospital, and arrangements for our dog while we spend time at the NICU,” she highlighted.
In light of these challenges, Applegate has launched a JustGiving fundraiser to help alleviate some of the financial burdens they face. “If you’re able to donate, no matter how small the amount, it would help ease some of the financial pressure and allow us to focus on what matters most—being by Alara’s side,” she requested of her supporters. She also encouraged those who cannot contribute financially to share their fundraising page as a gesture of support.
Concluding her heartfelt message, Applegate expressed gratitude towards everyone who has offered assistance during this trying time. “Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your kindness, your support, and for keeping our beautiful little warrior, Alara, in your thoughts,” she wrote. The family’s plight underscores the challenges faced by parents of premature infants, navigating both emotional and financial hurdles while striving to provide necessary care.
As their journey continues, Applegate and Jermy remain hopeful and determined as they cherish every moment with their daughter, celebrating each milestone in her fight for survival.