On Oct. 11, 2004, my daughter, Kamryn, was born via emergency C-Section. Up until 2 days prior, we had no idea we would hear those words that all parents fear: "There is something wrong with your baby."
She was 38 weeks along and a prenatal ultrasound had revealed a mass the size of her head inside her abdomen. Her condition was meconium peritonitis secondary to distal ileal volvulus. Essentially, her intestines twisted and burst, allowing the contents (her meconium) to spill into her stomach cavity. This formed an infection that grew over a period of time to the size of her head while she was still in the womb. It covered most of her major organs.
She was whisked away immediately after birth and taken for emergency surgery. This would be the first of 6 surgeries my daughter would have on her abdomen. Kamryn spent 79 days in the NICU fighting off a series of deadly infections and trying to thrive after her surgeries.
Kamryn, although quite small for her age, plays soccer, softball, runs short distances and twirls a baton.
She had her sixth surgery to repair some scar tissue but continues to amaze us every day. She sees the urologist and endocrinologist on a regular basis. Every Christmas, we bring little holiday trees decorated in baby ornaments to the NICU bedsides. Kamryn spent her first Christmas in the NICU and it's her way of giving back.
Kamryn has 2 older brothers, an older sister and a younger brother, and all are healthy and happy. We love Akron Children's Hospital and continue to support its efforts to save lives.
I look forward to meeting you and promise to offer any support I can.
Amy is a parent mentor for these conditions: Anorectal Malformations, Intestinal Malrotation.
Amy is a mentor for these care services: Gastroenterology, Infectious Disease, NICU, Surgery, Urology
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