Family Story Assets (Word Document, Photos)
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Emily’s
Story
My
Mommy had no history of high blood pressure, but at 23 weeks of pregnancy with
me she started experiencing preeclampsia (which is a complication during
pregnancy, characterized by high blood pressure). Her doctors put her on
medicine and rest, but she didn’t get any better. At 25 weeks, my Mommy went to
see her doctor because she felt funny—I was born within the hour on September
16th, 2014!
I was supposed to be a
Christmas present for my parents, Jim and Erika
Because
of my premature birthday, I only weighed 1.5lbs, had jaundice, had a hole in my heart, and
couldn’t breathe on my own. Lung development is one of the important things
that happens later in gestation. I was put on a ventilator for 8 weeks, had
open heart surgery, received blood transfusions (thanks Auntie for the blood
donation), and received Surfactant to help my lungs. Surfactant is a medical
treatment funded by a grant from the March of Dimes to help babies breathe.
I
was very sick and I had to stay in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) for 119 days. The
first four months of my life were not easy, but I have thrived since going home
with Mommy and Daddy.
I
am now a healthy and fiesty 2 year old. I love Mickey Mouse, Dora, and
Nemo. I appreciate your support for the
March of Dimes, who gives babies like me a fighting chance!
