Premature birth brings battle to baby Colton
Colton was born six weeks premature with severe respiratory
distress. His condition was so serious that his parents, Francis and Andrea,
were advised to take photographs of him so they would have some memories of
their son.
He was immediately transferred to Children's Memorial Hospital, where he was diagnosed with several serious
heart defects. At just two days old he had his first heart
surgery. After his second surgery at just 13 days old, Colton
developed a blood clot in his leg. It was December 24th. His first Christmas was
spent unconscious, receiving hourly blood transfusions. His parents spent the
holiday at his side, rejoicing in the tiniest motion or muscle twitch from their
infant son. Colton's condition eventually stabilized, and he came home a week
later.
Colton continues to be treated by the medical staff at Children's Memorial for
other health challenges. Despite his trials, though, Colton's parents say they
are constantly amazed by how well their happy little boy takes those challenges
in stride, and they are optimistic about his future. In the words of his
mother, “I guess we just forgot to tell him he's a very sick little baby!”
Children's Memorial Hospital seeks philanthropic funding to enhance its
programs and services. As a proud partner of the Children's Miracle Network
(CMN), all funds raised in the Chicago area through CMN also benefit Children's
Memorial. To find out how your support can help the hospital better serve
children and families, please contact the Children's Memorial Foundation at
773.880.4237 or Foundation@childrensmemorial.org.