Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Isabella Coffee, 3

On May 21, 2009, Isabella Coffee underwent testing at Kosair Children’s Hospital to find out why the 2-year-old had stopped having bowel movements. A CT scan of the toddler’s abdomen revealed a large tumor on Isabella’s adrenal gland. She was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma, Stage 2b. It was heartbreaking news for the Coffee family.

Dr. Vinod Bilasa helped Alethea and Thom wade through the unchartered waters of the Oncology Unit, while Nurse Lindsay Nalley provided the warmth, comfort and helping hand that they desperately needed. Isabella underwent surgery to remove the tumor. Luckily, doctors were able to remove all of the cancer. After eight days at Kosair, Isabella returned home.

“While we wanted Isabella to get well and a miracle was our desire, we also knew that God might have other plans. We left her care to Kosair’s Hospital and her healing to the Lord. Many people in Shelbyville and all over the world prayed for Isabella’s recovery. Today, she is a healthy three-year-old who still returns to Kosair’s Hospital for check-ups and scans regularly. Because of the love and support we received, we try to minister to other families whose children are afflicted with this terrible illness. It’s our way of giving a little back to Kosair Children’s Hospital.”

The Coffee Family
Thom, Alethea, Isabella & Eliza

Hayle Stroupe, 15

Diagnosed with Rickets at age three, Hayle’s body is unable to adequately absorb Vitamin D. The disease has softened the bones in her legs and caused them to bow. At age nine, Hayle had the first of nine surgeries to help straighten her legs.

Doctors at Kosair Children’s Hospital performed each of Hayle’s surgeries; inserting rods into her bones, titanium staples into her ankles and using external fixators to hold her bones in place. In her last surgery, doctors removed a portion of Hayle’s femur, replacing it with a plate and nine screws.

Hayle has made a full recovery and now takes medicine daily to manage her disease. She is quick to tell you, she is “just like any other teen.” Hayle enjoys sports, being with family and friends and has maintained good grades, despite all that she has endured.

“All of my surgeries were at Kosair Children’s Hospital. I love this hospital and its nurses are the best. I had many of them several times. The staff makes you feel right at home.”

Hayle Stroupe

Chloe Marlow, 5

On August 25, 2004, Missy and Gary Marlow celebrated the birth of their third daughter, Chloe. She was full-term and weighed 8 lbs 2 oz at birth. Four days later, Chloe was transported to Kosair Children’s Hospital with breathing problems. It marked the beginning of months of uncertainty and hospitalization, a multitude of tests and even surgery.

Diagnosed with Bronchomalacia, weakness in the cartilage in the bronchial tubes and Tracheamalacia, weakness of the walls of the windpipe, Chloe’s oxygen levels and blood gases would reach abnormal levels causing “blue spells.” She was placed on a ventilator, had a heart catheterization, left lung biopsy and numerous other tests. on December 10, 2004, Chloe was again rushed to Kosair’s Hospital. A week later, she received a tracheostomy and was put on a CPAP to keep her airways open. Chloe returned home January 10, 2005. She is now an energetic and happy 5-year-old.

“Chloe’s condition was so severe, we did not know if she would live or die. The doctors and nurses at Kosair’s Hospital spent a lot of time with us to ensure we had a good transition from the hospital to home and that we knew how to care for our daughter. We appreciate all of the love we received from family, friends and staff at Kosair’s Hospital. What a blessing Kosair’s Hospital has been for my family during such a traumatic and frightening time.”

The Marlow Family
Gary, Missy, Emily, Molly & Chloe

Callee Quire, 6 Months

On July 15, 2009, Callee entered the world seven weeks early. She weighed just over four pounds and measured 16 ¼ inches long. Within hours, Callee was transferred to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Kosair Children’s Hospital, where she would remain for the next 30 days. It began an emotional rollercoaster for Callee’s parents, Amanda and Brandon.

For the first two weeks, Callee remained on a ventilator and was fed through a tube. She would have to take a bottle and breathe on her own, without a drop in heart rate, before she could be placed on room air. Callee’s tiny lungs would also have to strengthen and she would have to gain weight before she could leave the NICU.

“Although there were days it seemed hopeless and we thought Callee would never come home, we held on to our faith in God and encouragement from family and friends. On August 15, Callee came home! We are so blessed to have such a phenomenal facility like Kosair Children's Hospital. To Dr. Duncan, Dr. Obi, the neonatal nurses and the pediatric nurses— we are forever grateful.”

The Quire Family
Brandon, Amanda & Callee

Ashlee Bush, 21

Ashlee Bush’s fighting spirit began at a very early age. Born at Norton Hospital on June 28, 1988, Ashlee was nearly 3 ½ months premature and weighed just 1 lb 9 oz. Doctors warned Lee and Lisa Bush that their daughter had a slim chance of survival. The tiny newborn was quickly transported to Kosair Children’s Hospital, where she would begin her miraculous journey.

From the minute she arrived at Kosair Children’s Hospital, Ashlee showed the doctors and nurses that she was indeed a fighter. Her tiny legs had to be restrained as her constant kicking was causing bruising. With no major setbacks, the Bush family watched their little girl grow, ounce by ounce and day by day. Slowly but surely, Ashlee made her way from a warmer to an incubator and then from intermediate care to her home. Ashlee is just one of many tiny miracles at Kosair Children’s Hospital.

“Ashlee has grown from one of Kosair Hospital’s tiniest babies into a beautiful young woman. We are so grateful to all of the doctors and nurses at Kosair Children’s Hospital. They have given our family so much.”

The Bush Family
Lee, Lisa, Justin, Nicholas & Ashlee

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Tyler Sopland, 12

Tyler was diagnosed in utero with Duodenal Atresia, a condition in which the first part of the small bowel (the Duodenal) has not developed properly. Within minutes of his birth on March 5, 1997, Tyler was rushed into surgery. After a two hour surgery, Tyler was placed in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Kosair Children’s Hospital where he would remain for the next four weeks.

With persistent vomiting and no bowel movements, Tyler faced a second surgery at two weeks of age. The surgery was a success and after a month’s stay in the NICU, Tyler was finally well enough to go home. It was a magical day for his parents, Jeff and Kim.

“We can’t thank the entire Kosair Children’s Hospital NICU staff enough for the heartfelt care they gave Tyler during his stay. When family members weren’t holding Tyler, the nurses were holding him. A minute didn’t go by that he wasn’t held or looked after.”

The Sopland Family
Jeff, Kim, Tyler and Evan