A family in Oklahoma is confronting a severe health crisis as a mother diagnosed with necrotizing pancreatitis gives birth to a baby girl with multiple serious medical complications. The father is now making multiple daily trips between two hospitals to be with his wife and daughter.
Robbinjo Odum, 29, was diagnosed with necrotizing pancreatitis, a condition causing tissue death due to loss of blood flow and inflammation, after a routine gallbladder removal surgery. While managing this illness, she discovered she was pregnant.
Her daughter, HazelJo, was born on August 19 and immediately showed signs of significant medical issues, including bladder exstrophy, anal and urogenital canal fusion, imperforate anus, and chronic kidney disease. At less than 24 hours old, HazelJo underwent surgery to create a colostomy site. The infant is expected to require several more surgeries in the coming years.
Due to the complex medical needs of both mother and daughter, the family relocated to Oklahoma City to be nearer to specialists. Robbinjo Odum is currently on high-flow oxygen, relies on a GJ tube and TPN for nutrition, and uses a wheelchair due to muscle and bone deterioration.
Cameron Odum, the father, described the emotional toll, stating, "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." He walks up to two miles daily between OU Medical Center, where his wife is treated, and Oklahoma Children's Hospital, where his daughter is receiving care.
HazelJo has recently been transferred to Bethany Children's Hospital for further procedures, while Robbinjo Odum remains at OU Health. A GoFundMe campaign has been established to support the family with basic needs and to help them navigate their current challenges. As of Tuesday, the fundraiser had garnered over $11,000.