Brynncess

Brynn F. ~ Super Hero Alias: Brynncess

Brynn FAge: 5 months old
Weight at Birth: 2 lbs 1 oz
Weeks Gestation: 26 weeks
Time in the NICU: 97 days

Diagnosis, complications, surgeries?

Brynn arrived way earlier than we expected and every day she had to fight for her life. Some of the problems she faced were chronic lung disease, in abated for 2-1/2 months, fed through a feeding tube for 2-1/2 months, asd, heart murmur, NEC, spinal tap, multiple pic lines and blood transfusions, IV infiltrations, bad liver from being on the feeding tube for so long, immature eyes,  sleep apnea, and terrible reflux. When Brynn got discharged she came home with four specialists, ophthalmologist, gastroenterologist, pulmonologist, cardiologist, and goes to physical therapy weekly. Also, on a monitor for her heart rate, and sleep apnea.  There were many other infections, and problems that occurred the list could go on for days. I thank God for such a strong baby, who still battles these problems daily.

Why should your child be recognized as “Preemie of the Year”?

Our daughters difficult journey into life began before the emergency c-section that placed her in our  lives by the grace of God. Brynn went without nutrition for weeks due to an abrupt placenta and a dry umbilical cord. For weeks 24 and 25, a series of test had been done to try and figure out why she was failing all fetal movement. A decision was made, on week 26 Brynn was born. But, not at our local hospital and not in our state. Mommy and baby were transferred by the life flight team where an emergency cesarean would be performed. Brynn then spent the next 97 days of her life going through trials and tribulations to prove to us how strong she is. Brynn made an impact on many staff members and became the “oldest one of the class.” Powered by prayer from friends and family, the professional training of a wonderful NICU team, and a mommy and daddy driving over state line day and night, the three of us pulled through vicious cycles of a two-pound, under-developed miracle. Everything from continuous intubation, NEC scares, spinal taps, and infections, we never knew what tomorrow would bring, but feeding off of Brynn’s strength the three of us would get through it together. Brynn made a grand entrance into the world, and continues to brings joy to everyone she encounters daily.  Our story is truth that there is a God, and he does perform miracles everyday.

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Mighty Mykah

Mykah T. ~ Super Hero Alias: Mighty Mykah

Mykah TAge: 2 years old
Weight at Birth: 1 lb 5 oz
Weeks Gestation: 32 weeks
Time in the NICU: 106 days

Diagnosis, complications, surgeries?

Mykah was born at 32 weeks but was diagnosed with Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and was the size of a 24 weeker. At 17 days old she was diagnosed with Necrotizing Enterocolitis, usually called NEC, is a condition where the intestines become infected and can begin to die. At only 17 days old she had her first surgery to try to have the bowel drain. At 2 pounds she had her second surgery, a Colostomy and had ostomy bag placed that had to be carefully monitored. After waiting till she finally reached 4 pounds she had her 3rd and final surgery to repair the bowel. After the 106 long days in the hospital, she was finally sent home a healthy (although small) 3 and half month old little girl.

Why should your child be recognized as “Preemie of the Year”?

Mykah should be recognized as preemie of the year because her smile is contagious and can make you fall in love with her with just one look in her eyes. She is just the most happy and sweetest little girl. She loves to be around people and makes sure to say “Hi” to everyone she meets; she truly lights up a room. Her personality is so big, you can honestly forget how small she is. If it was up to Mykah everyone would be singing and dancing instead of doing anything else.

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The Ultimate Overachiever

NICU Reunion, Family Celebration, Hand to Hold Birthday, Photo Contest

Lauren K. ~ Super Hero Alias: The Ultimate Overachiever

Lauren KAge: 12 weeks
Weight at Birth: 4 lbs, 2 ounces
Weeks Gestation: 31 weeks, 4 days
Time in the NICU: 30 days

Diagnosis, complications, surgeries?
She suffered from NEC after 2 weeks in the NICU, and also has a heart murmur caused by PPV and PFO.

Why should your child be recognized as “Preemie of the Year”?

Lauren has shown an amazing strength and perseverance since the day she arrived. She conquered a month-long stay in the NICU, including overcoming NEC with flying colors. She is on her way to being the ultimate overachiever, not letting anything get her in way of enjoying life to the fullest. Her smile lights up the room, and she has brought incredible joy and love to our family. She is my inspiration, and has proven to me time and again what a miracle she truly is. I have a feeling she will be giving her big brother, Harrison, a run for his money in no time!
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The Lion Heart

NICU Reunion, Family Celebration, Hand to Hold Birthday, Photo Contest

Andrew L. ~ Super Hero Alias: The Lion Heart

Andrew LAge: 3 years
Weight at Birth: 2 lbs, 2 ounces
Weeks Gestation: 26 weeks
Time in the NICU: 70 days

Diagnosis, complications, surgeries?
severe acid reflux, broviac surgery, and NEC

Why should your child be recognized as “Preemie of the Year”?

He came out fighting all 2 pounds of him ready to take on the world (a little bit of Napoleon Syndrome perhaps?). Upon coming into the world at 3:14 am, he made his presence known. He took in a deep gulp of air, filled his lungs to the brim and wailed. I was able to get a quick glance of him before he was whisked away, intubated twice (he ripped the first one out) and hurried to the nicu fighting doctors off all the way. In that quick glance, I knew he would make it. I saw so much fight and passion all wrapped up in one frail small package. Once in the NICU, he continued to fight the doctor’s diagnosis, the odds and the nurses trying to swaddle him (he is still a little claustrophobic). After 70 days, a tough bout with NEC and a Broviac surgery, he came home. Now why should my son out of all be chosen out of all these little miracles to be “Preemie of the Year”? He is a fighter just like all other preemies. He has a lust for life just like all other preemies. But he approaches life with such moxie, such fearlessness that even I sometimes envy his bravery sometimes and his unwavering determination to do things his own way. He is a Lion Heart through and through!

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Super Luke

NICU Reunion, Family Celebration, Hand to Hold Birthday, Photo Contest

Luke W. ~ Super Hero Alias: Super Luke

LukeAge: 13 months
Weight at Birth: 3 lbs 9 oz
Weeks Gestation: 36 weeks, 3 days
Time in the NICU: 44 days

Diagnosis, complications, surgeries?
Luke was initially diagnosed as an IUGR (intrauterine growth restriction) baby – he just did not grow well in utero.  After birth, we discovered two heart defects, PDA and VSD, a pelvic kidney, bilateral arachnoid brain cysts and a tethered spinal cord.  Our biggest complicating factor?  Developing a severe surgical case of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) on day nine.  Most recently, he was diagnosed with plagiocephaly and brachycephaly, hence the reason for his awesome Aggie football helmet!

Why should your child be recognized as “Preemie of the Year”?

Luke is a fighter.  Luke is a miracle.  Luke is complicated.  Luke is a stinker.  Luke is an inspiration.  Even after all the setbacks with his additional diagnoses, he just kept making slow and steady progress.  After NICU discharge we thought we were in the clear!  Then, in the span of seven months, we returned to Dell Children’s for four more surgeries and a total of seven hospital stays.  Through the past year, we have grown into more compassionate parents to our own children, and others who have special needs. I hope Luke’s scars never fade away, they are a reminder of how far we’ve come.

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Brave Brody Bear

NICU Reunion, Family Celebration, Hand to Hold Birthday, Photo Contest

Brody C. ~ Super Hero Alias: Brave Brody Bear

Age: 5 months old
Weight at Birth: 2 lb 7 oz
Weeks Gestation: 26 weeks
Time in the NICU: 110 days

Diagnosis, complications, surgeries?
PPROM at 17 weeks gestation; possible NEC, inconclusive but treated; staph infection; chronic lung disease; inguinal hernia; and silent aspiration.

Why should your child be recognized as “Preemie of the Year”?

Brody was a super hero before he was born.  I had Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes (PPROM) at 17 weeks gestation resulting in severely low amniotic fluid.  Doctors told us that there was an 85% chance that I would go into premature labor within two weeks, and babies could not survive at that gestation.  Because there was a possibility of maternal infection, the doctor said that termination may be necessary.  But, like a super hero, he survived the following two weeks and continued to grow.  Brody defied the odds even as the volume of amniotic fluid dropped, even as our fears increased of immature lung development.  At 24 weeks gestation, I checked into the hospital to continue bed rest.  Brody continued to amaze the doctors and grew in the safety of the womb for another two weeks, four days.

When the contractions started, I was filled with anxiety and wondering whether the 26 weeks, 4 days was long enough to save his life.  Was there enough amniotic fluid for his lungs to develop adequately?  Did his other organs have enough time to develop properly?  He is a super hero, and he survived and became a superstar in the NICU.  After only two days on the ventilator, the doctors switched him to the CPAP.  Except for a worrisome 10 days when an infection weakened him and put him back on the ventilator, Brody grew stronger and healthier.

While in the NICU, his sweet, cuddly nature charmed the nurses, doctors and all who cared for him.  He had endured more needles, heel pricks, spinal taps,  the works in a few months than I have had in my lifetime.  Now at home, he captivates all with just a glance, and brings joy to all he meets.   He is the epitome of a miracle.  This journey with Brody taught me how precious life is, and I cannot wait to see everything that his life will contribute to this world.  Even before he was born, he helped me see the goodness in humanity – the kindness and generosity of so many countless people that provided support without being asked.  Brody’s miraculous life has given me the gift of hope and promise.   I hope his story brings this gift to other families facing similar circumstances.

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Oli Gator

NICU Reunion, Family Celebration, Hand to Hold Birthday, Photo Contest

Oli D. ~ Super Hero Alias: Oli Gator

Current Age: 21 months
Weight at Birth: 2 lbs 15 oz
Weeks Gestation: 29 weeks
Time in the NICU: 58 days

Diagnosis, complications, surgeries?
Normal preemie breathing issues, several transfusions, staph infection, the list goes on and on. But, the most complicated issue was his NEC (necrotizing enterocolitis).  At 10 days he had to have surgery for a fully perforated bowel.

Why should your child be recognized as “Preemie of the Year”?
On January 5th, 2009 our son came into the world very suddenly.  My husband and I love a good adventure and true to form the first months of Oli’s life were that.  We joke and say he was just so eager to join in the adventures. Maybe not the adventure we had bargained for, but one that we are so proud to share with others.  When I think of Oli that word “adventurous” fits so well.  He never backs down from anything and excepts all challenges willingly.  Whether it has been overcoming NEC or spending 20 minutes building a gigantic Lego tower.  He always tries.

I cannot imagine what he would be like had our birth story been different.  So much of his personality to me reflects the tiny little fighter that he was and still is today.  I am so proud to say that my son is a preemie and even though I cry just about every time that I think about it I would not trade any of our experiences with him.  What we have been through as a family makes my son special.

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Site last updated May 24, 2013 @ 2:48 pm