Harper was born April 20, 2014, weighing 8 lbs. The medical team immediately noticed issues with her breathing and had her transported to Akron Children’s Hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit.
They allowed me to see her quickly before they rushed her to Children’s, but I wasn’t able to hold her. The prayers started flowing in from family and friends from around the world.
Harper was in critical condition. She needed breathing assistance and extra oxygen, and she had fluid in her lungs.
On April 22, I was well enough to be transported over to see Harper for the first time at Children’s. She needed 100% oxygen and a blood transfusion to increase her red blood cells.
When she was 3 days old, Harper was placed on ECMO, which took her blood and oxygenated it. She came off ECMO 7 days later and my husband, Steve, and I got to hold her for the first time.
We were able to bring Harper home when she was 46 days old. Thank you, Akron Children’s!
As part of our year-long anniversary celebration, we’re telling the story of Akron Children’s through the eyes of past and present employees, doctors, donors, volunteers and patient families. We encourage you to share your own memories and stories about us.