I am the mother of 24 week twin miracles, Charlee, 1 lb., 1 oz. and Lennix, 1 lb., 6 oz. At just 2-1/2 years old they've endured more than 30 surgeries, a 226-day NICU stay, countless PICU stays, cerebral palsy, epilepsy and so much more. Next month we will be celebrating 2 years of being home … [Read more...]
Declan thriving after dilated cardiomyopathy diagnosis
My son, Declan, was rushed to Akron Children's ER in Boardman, Ohio, when he was 19 days old with trouble breathing. During his triage, everything looked good and we were sent back to see the doctor for a check up. After a chest x-ray, we were told that he was in respiratory and heart failure and … [Read more...]
Strong support system helps family manage daughter’s illness
While pregnant with her first child, Rebecca McClary had an emergency C-section at just 27 weeks. Her baby girl, Savannah, weighed only 1 lb., 2 oz. Because Savannah had several health problems related to her prematurity - including pulmonary hypertension caused by her underdeveloped lungs - she … [Read more...]
A very scary beginning turns into happy ending
On Thursday, April 2 around 8 p.m, I started throwing up every 5 to 10 minutes. Then as the night went on, I started throwing up every 3 or 4 minutes. Once morning arrived I started throwing up every couple minutes and I started not breathing very well. My color changed once late afternoon … [Read more...]
PICU has become our home as our daughter battles Shwachman-Diamond syndrome
Natalie’s story begins on July 18, 2014. She is a beautiful baby with a feisty personality and a smile that can charm anyone. But being her parents is not exactly what we imagined. I could fill pages and pages with the medical terms our family has learned and the hurdles our daughter has faced. W … [Read more...]
The angels of Akron Children’s caring for my child
My 2-week-old daughter, Ilyanna, is in Akron Children's PICU unit with RSV. Last Friday the nurse took her off of her ventilator. When they were giving her a breathing treatment, she grabbed it and helped the nurse hold it. We have been here for a few days now and I feel Akron Children's saved … [Read more...]