Natalie Razore’s Story
Michelle and Joe Razore, of Clyde Hill, Wash., a suburb of Seattle, welcomed their healthy baby girl, Natalie, into the world on September 24, 2010. To the Razore’s surprise, they were advised by the pediatrician to take their baby girl to Seattle Children’s Hospital, where little Natalie was admitted upon arrival. Soon after, Natalie began having uncontrollable coughing fit
s, turned blue and stopped breathing. Tests confirmed a pertussis diagnosis by the next morning. The following two weeks, Natalie was placed on high flow oxygen, a feeding tube and received numerous breathing treatments. As her condition deteriorated, even the more complex medical procedures such as blood transfusions and ventilator procedures were not enough to maintain adequate oxygen levels in her body and effectively support her vital organs. Her small frame began to swell from fluid retention, and she became unrecognizable to her parents. In an effort to save her life, the medical team put Natalie on ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) – a lung and heart bypass machine – as well as dialysis after her kidneys shut down. But, her time on ECMO was not without complications. She developed a blockage in her left leg that prevented blood flow and nearly led to amputation, and, following ECMO, it was discovered that she had multiple fractures throughout her entire body. She also developed an infection in her blood stream that had to be treated with six weeks of intravenous antibiotics. Her chances of survival were poor, but Natalie’s parents and extended family did not lose hope. Finally, after 72 days in the hospital, including 49 in the Intensive Care Unit, Natalie stabilized and was discharged on Christmas Eve thanks to a vigilant medical team and unwavering support from thousands of friends, family and strangers touched by her story. It wasn’t until after she was taken off of the ECMO her parents learned that she was the first infant with pertussis to survive ECMO at Seattle Children’s Hospital. While “Miracle Natalie” continues regular physical therapy sessions, her parents and family say that looking at the vibrant little girl today – one would never guess the incredible journey that she has experienced and survived. The Razore family realizes how fortunate they are. Though it is still unclear how Natalie caught pertussis, the family is dedicated to spreading the word about this potentially fatal disease and raising awareness that by receiving a Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis) booster vaccine, adults can help protect themselves and reduce the risk of spreading the disease to babies.
