Sadie's story
By Michelle Williams
After a difficult pregnancy due to serious medical conditions, I was induced on February 28, 2008 and gave birth to our first child - a beautiful baby girl named Sadie.
Sadie was born via c-section at our local hospital, and the doctors initially believed she was having difficulty breathing due to Respiratory Distress Syndrome. Her condition, however, continued to worsen and after trying to give her oxygen through a hood and CPAP - Sadie was placed on a vent, in critical condition.
A virus had attacked her small body before birth and invaded her lungs. To this day, the doctors still don't know what type of virus she contracted.
Soon, the doctor came into my room at the hospital and told us of the severity of the situation and that Sadie would need to be transfered to Children's Memorial Hospital right away.
Our hearts ached and the tears fell - we said goodbye to our brand new baby girl as she transported over 60 miles away from our home to Children's Memorial.
After receiving life-saving doses of surfactant and antibiotics, Sadie's condition started to finally improve. After two weeks in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), she was strong enough to come home with her father and I.
I don't know how we would have made it through this ordeal if it wasn't for the kindness and love of the staff at Children's Memorial. The NICU nurses went above and beyond to nurse our baby back to health.
The support system offered by Children's Memorial was wonderful too. Heather, a counselor on the NICU floor, was there to talk to whenever we needed her. She is truly an angel in disguise.
From the moment you valet your car - to the end of the evening when you walk past the security desk...every person you pass had a smile or friendly hello.
The NICU is a place you can't imagine. A place like that can break a person - but thanks to the doctors and nurses, we had a constant stream of support and understanding.
Recently, I made a video of Sadie's experience and dedicated it to the staff at Children's Memorial and to the March of Dimes and posted it online at: http://youtube.com/watch?v=onVSMoE-aJ8
Thank you once again from the bottom of our hearts for helping us bring our baby home. It's because of you that we have her.
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.