Meet Kelly R., Parent Mentor at Akron Children's

Kelly's Story

My name is Kelly and I am the proud mother of 5-year-old triplets! Mathew, Michael and Morgan were born at 29 weeks and 3 days. They weighed between 2 and 3 lbs. each. We endured a long NICU stay ranging from 68 to 77 days. We had many of the common preemie problems, including respiratory distress, apnea, anemia, jaundice and PDA (hole in the heart). Thankfully, the PDAs closed on their own while in the NICU.

My two boys also had brain bleeds (IVH). Mathew had bilateral Grade II bleeds. Michael had more severe Grade III and Grade IV bleeds. Michael developed hydrocephalus from his bleeds and required surgery at just 3 weeks old. He had a ventricle tap placed that the doctors would drain every day or every other day as needed. This was in until he weighed enough to have a VP shunt placed. He had his VP shunt placed at about 5 months old. We went for 4 years with no shunt malfunctions and this past June, Michael had to have an entire shunt replacement. 

Overall, Michael is doing really well. Cognitively he is right on track and will be starting Kindergarten in the Fall. He was diagnosed at 18 months old with very mild, right sided spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy. He has been in physical and occupational therapy since he was in the NICU. He continues with therapy and follows up with the physiatrist here at Akron Children’s. He is doing wonderfully!

Both of my boys also have asthma and follow up regularly with the pulmonology department. We have had several hospital admissions due to this asthma and both boys are on maintenance inhalers that have helped immensely. 

Looking forward to connecting with other parents in similar situations and/or with similar diagnoses.

Kelly is a parent mentor for these conditions: Apnea of Prematurity, Cerebral Palsy, Hernias, Hydrocephalus, Jaundice, Patent Ductus Arteriosus.

Kelly is a mentor for these care services: Asthma, Cerebral Palsy, Neurosurgery, NICU, Rehab, Urology

Contact Kelly