PORT NECHES — To say that Rob and Tara Bledsoe have had a rough year is an understatement.

Currently, they are traveling back and forth to Houston to see their infant son, Cooper, who was born prematurely.

The Nederland couple’s story began a year ago when Tara was pregnant with the couple’s first child, Becks. The due date was Sept. 28, Hurricane Rita was approaching the coast so the family packed up and evacuated. While they were gone, Rob’s father died. Becks, now 8 1/2 months old, was born in San Antonio.

Once the family returned home they were faced with major damage to their home and moved in to a travel trailer with their child. A few weeks after repairs were made to the home Tara found out she was pregnant.

Then one morning, about 23 or 24 weeks into the pregnancy, the expectant mother woke up feeling as if something wasn’t right. Contractions, the prelude to birth, had already begun.

“I had court that morning,” Tara, an employee with Texas Child Protective Services, said, explaining she thought she would get to the hospital and her doctor would stop the contractions.

But Cooper was ready to meet the world. After an emergency Caesarian Section, the 1 pound, 9 ounce baby was born. He was only 11 1/2 inches long.

The babe was life flighted to Houston’s Hermann Memorial Hospital. Tara had to recuperate from the surgery and was unable to follow. Rob, Nederland High School head soccer coach, football coach and a teacher for the district, was able to spend some time with the child. Tara became ill not long after being released from The Medical Center of Southeast Texas and ended up in the same hospital as her newborn with just one floor separating them.

Since Cooper’s June 13 birth, the baby has underwent a heart surgery and brain bleeds which are common for premature babies.

During a benefit for the family at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Port Neches, the couple spoke of their newest addition and how it’s affected their lives.

“It’s tough. I’m a coach and people will come up to check on us,” Rob said, explaining that he must fight back tears when talking of his youngest son.

The benefit was put together to help the Bledsoe’s with mounting medical bills and travel bills. A silent auction, washerboard tournament and dinners were part of the fundraiser.

“I always knew we had good friends but I never knew how good until something like this comes along,” Tara said as she choked back tears.

Cooper is expected to be released form the hospital in October. Earlier this week he was taken off the ventilator and now weighs 4 pounds 3 ounces.

Amanda Swanson, family friend, help organize the event. Local businesses donated auction items — something that the family is grateful for. Even larger name businesses such as Budweiser made donations.

An account has been set up to help with the medical bills and expenses due to travel costs, etc. at Five Star Credit Union. The account number is 65991. Or you can call Amanda Swanson at 781-0082 or e-mail to swansonamanda@yahoo.com