Meet Lizzie S-P, Parent Mentor at Akron Children's
Lizzie's Story
Charlotte was born at 28 weeks 1 day weighing 1 lb 2 oz due to preterm labor and severe inter-uterine growth restriction (IUGR). After 3 attempts, Charlotte was intubated and transferred to Akron Children's Main campus NICU. Charlotte was intubated for one week and spent 96 days in the NICU primarily struggling with growth and weaning oxygen. She was diagnosed with chronic lung disease (bronchopulmonary dysplasia) as well as feeding difficulties. Charlotte was a fighter and despite her small size, she was labeled as small but mighty. She proved everyone wrong whenever someone doubted her abilities especially when trying to wean oxygen.
The most difficult part of the NICU was not being able to stay by her side 24/7 trying to balance being there for my son, husband, and returning to work while she was still in the NICU as well taking care of myself. We were thankfully allowed to be discharged with a nasogastric tube (NG) and oxygen. Our family was finally united with both my kids, husband, and dog finally together.
Charlotte worked closely with her PCP, pulmonologist, dietitian, and speech therapist outpatient to remove her NG and oxygen. She graduated from BPD clinic but continues to work closely with her dietitian, speech therapist, occupational therapist, and physical therapist to optimize her feeding progression, growth and development.
She will be one year old in 2025 and is thriving! She is always on the move, laughing, and loves her big brother and dog the best! Charlotte continues to be small but mighty!
Lizzie is a parent mentor for these conditions: Feeding Disorders, Lung Disease, Prematurity.
Lizzie is a mentor for these care services: Endocrine, Feeding and Nutrition, Gastroenterology, NICU, Palliative Care, Pulmonary
