We had a few pairs of cozy, fuzzy socks and all the nurses loved them for her. We are working to support our local heart babies by making them more comfortable in the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit at Helen DeVos Children's Hospital. 1 in every 100 babies born have a congenital heart defect (the most common birth defect). The cardiac program is expanding rapidly and many more babies are abl
e to have the intense care in Grand Rapids rather than across the state/ country. A Bit of Monroe's Story:
Our daughter Monroe was diagnosed with several heart defects, along with heterodoxy, before she was born. Right after coming into the world, she had medical interventions to keep her stable before she underwent a heart catheterization to place a stent. The same day, the stent failed and she was quickly brought back to the heart catheterization lab where it was decided it would be best to have open heart surgery. Recovery was fairly long and a little rocky. After a brief trip home, she was back in the hospital due to shock/pneumonia, she was diagnosed with adrenal insufficiency then. She stayed in the PCICU again for another semi-lengthy stay until she was ready for home (for real this time). She was considered "interstage" or shunt- dependent for several months until she outgrew it and needed her next surgery. Surgery went well, but had another complicated recovery. Monroe is always keeping everyone on their toes by making every trip to the hospital interesting and full of curveballs. She is one complex babe and the care she receives from HDVCH is so important. We are grateful to have this program, very knowledgeable cardiologists and intensivists, great nurses, and an amazing surgeon so close to home. Monroe is considered a "single ventricle" and will have lots of care throughout her life. She will definitely be back for at least one more surgery in the next few years. She has formed many relationships with all of her care team here. After several friends and family members have asked how they could help, we decided to ask for funds to purchase items that made our stay more comfortable. We hope to give quality items babies can use for their hospital stay as well as at home. Little things do make a big difference! Items we found useful and comforting that we will be purchasing to donate include: fuzzy socks (of course), loveys, stretchy swaddle blankets, well-fitting hats, and some other small items that we used that made a big difference. We so appreciate all the prayers and support as Monroe overcomes all of her obstacles. All of these special babies deserve the little comforts heart healthy babies get at home.
