NICU FACT Family Stories

"From a tiny spark may burst a mighty flame."

- Dante Alighieri, Italian poet

There is a power in storytelling and sharing lived experiences.

Whatever the reason that has connected you to a loved one in the NICU, we know your life has forever been changed. The impact the babies, their families and their personal stories have on others is one of hope, inspiration and connection.

These stories have been brought to you by the NICU Family Advisory Care Team (FACT), a group of graduate NICU families and staff.

NICU Family Advisory Care Team (FACT)

If you have questions or want to submit your story, email us: NICUstories@ahs.ca

Frankie

Weighed: 900g
Length of Stay in the NICU: 96 days
Frankie's Story

David Schiff NICU placental rupture false labour 911 paramedics Misericordia Francis Frankie stabilized Stork 1 transport incubator rah shock adrenaline isolette rounds hydrocephalus mastitis pumping cerebral palsy chronic lung disease dysphagia
Isabella

Weighed: 8lbs 14oz
Length of Stay in the NICU: 11 days (36 days in hospital initial stay)
Isabella’s Story

David Schiff NICU sedated lines nasal cannula oxygen monitor alarms truncus arteriosis arteries oxygenated blood open heart surgery prognosis
Maelee

Weighed: 6lbs 3oz
Length of Stay in the NICU: 20 days
Maelee's Story

fertility treatments journey pregnant ultrasound fetal echo congenital heart disease multiple heart defects tricuspid atresia hypoplastic right ventricle vsd pulmonary stenosis bilateral svcs uncertainty appointments c-section celebration david schiff nicu stollery childrens hospital broke my heart ostomy surgery heart pumping nerve-wracking fear waiting list
Henry & Charlotte (in loving memory)

Born: 32 weeks; 2 days
Weighed: 4lbs (Henry)
Length of Stay in the NICU: 2.5 months; 1.5 months
Henry & Charlotte's Story

anatomy scan twins genders boy-boy boy-girl maternal fetal medicine mfm clinic abnormal skull shape dandy-walker syndrome craniosynostosis uncertain confused c-section antepartum bedrest surgery shunt drain cerebral spinal fluid neurosurgeon royal alex nicu david schiff stollery iv ng fed bassinet epilepsy ent mild hearing loss drain fluids ears
Fallon & Gordon (in loving memory)

Born: 23 weeks, 4 days
Weighed: 1lb 9oz & 1lb 11oz
Length of Stay in the NICU: 160 days
Fallon & Gordon's Story

twins baby girl boy pre-term labour cervix journey strongest fragile stollery royal alexandra hospital micro-preemies blood infection necrotizing enterocolitis nec david schiff nicu stollery procedure surgery rah miracles incredible people
Andrew & Paige and Jared

Born: 33 weeks; 29 weeks
Weighed: 5lbs 3oz & 5lbs 2oz; 3lbs 9.5oz
Length of Stay in the NICU: 28 days; 64 days
Andrew & Paige and Jared's Story

Royal Alexandra Hospital di-di twin twins boy girl cervix shorten ultrasound bedrest water broke labour twin a twin b grow feed cerclage c-section ng tube intubation cpap high flow brain bleed code pink hearing loss previa
Lena & Quinn

Born: 25 weeks
Weighed: 1lb 10.5oz and 1lb 9.5oz
Length of Stay in the NICU: 132 days
Lena and Quinn's Story

Identical girl Lena Grace Quinn Huxley preemie premature twins MacRae family Benson Amberliegh miracle miracles Stollery Royal Alex Alexandra necrotizing enterocolitis bowel infection David Schiff nicu NICU surgery surgical unit stent abdomen drain battle fight fighting heart valve rop ROP blindness blind laparotomy NEC blood transfusion IV PICC lines intubation breathing machine incredible medical advance readmitted chronic lung disease bronchiolitis McGonigle teas tea donation
Katelyn, in loving memory

May 23, 2013 – May 31, 2013

Katelyn's Story

Royal Alexandra Hospital in memory memorium brain bleed life altering kidneys cry disbelief fear alone intracranial hemorrhage unknown cause severe disabilities hemiparalysis hospital specialist rehabilitation special needs
Harrison

Born: 26 weeks, 1 day
Weighed: 2lb 1oz
Length of Stay in the NICU: 126 days
Harry's Story

Harry Harrison boy ultrasound incompetent cervix cerclage bed rest bedrest emergency contractions antepartum ante partum resuscitation team respirator respiratory tubes wires positive bacterial infection intubated intubation blood transfusion iv pda inguinal hernia surgery cyst thriving milestones delays speech therapy micro preemie micropreemie premature
Connor

Born: 27 weeks
Weighed: 2lbs
Length of Stay in the NICU: 65 days
Connor's Story

Connor boy grateful kindness 2 pounds respiratory fighter twin infection gained weight rollercoaster highs lows breathe home support Stollery Royal Alexandra Hospital RAH NICU HELLP syndrome confusion panic die emotions kangaroo care overwhelming postpartum cry courage brave bravery fear fears speech development delays illness flu premature blessed