MARCH FOR BABIES: A MOTHER OF A MOVEMENT™
Dallas
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Reverchon Park
3505 Maple Ave , Dallas, TX 75219
Date: Saturday, April 27, 2024 9:30 AM
3505 Maple Ave , Dallas, TX 75219
Date: Saturday, April 27, 2024 9:30 AM
MEET THE 2024 AMBASSADOR FAMILY
The Keane Family
The Keane Family
This is the story of Leah and Parker, a resilient couple from Lucas, Texas who embarked on a remarkable journey filled with courage and determination as they eagerly awaited the arrival of their baby girl, Isla Rose Keane. Little did they know that their path would become a testament to strength, love, and the invaluable support of the March of Dimes.
On May 21, 2021, their world was shaken when Leah faced unexpected bleeding, prompting a rush to the emergency room. A subchorionic hemorrhage threatened their hopes. But amidst the uncertainty, their baby's heartbeat remained strong-- a beacon of hope in the storm that was beginning to unfold.
Challenges persisted when four months later Leah's bleeding returned once again bringing them to the emergency room. At just 22 weeks gestation, Leah began to go into labor. The medical team was able to stop contractions and invert Leah's bed to reduce pressure on the cervix. It was then that Leah was diagnosed with an incompetent cervix. The specialist came in to determine if Leah was a candidate for an emergency cerclage procedure, but was denied due to the placement of the baby. This began a journey that would test the limits of their courage and resilience.
Leah laid inverted on bedrest for almost a month at Medical City McKinney. When on October 7th, Leah was facing an infection prompting the delivery of Isla Rose Keane at just 26 weeks and 2 days gestation. Isla was born at 2lbs. 1oz. The family commenced an 85-day NICU stay following Isla's birth. Isla's NICU journey included ventilators, CPAP machines, phototherapy, blood transfusions, caffeine doses, and MCT in her feeds. The Keane family, taking it day by day, placed their hopes in the hands of the brilliant NICU nurses and doctors of Medical City McKinney.
In mid-December, another blow struck when Parker tested positive for COVID-19, prohibiting him from seeing his little girl. Not only was the separation agonizing, but then Isla became the youngest COVID patient in Texas at the time. The family's endurance faced yet another test, and they passed it with flying colors. On December 31st, Isla Rose finally came home--a moment of triumph after months of ups and downs and uncertainty.
The Keane journey continued with visits to Early Childhood Intervention to ensure Isla Rose stayed on track with milestones. Despite initial weight gain challenges, they adhered to the plan-- supplementing formula with breastmilk, slightly delaying solid foods, and incorporating a daily multivitamin. Today, Isla Rose is a beautiful, happy, and healthy 2-and-a-half-year-old big sister to Kellan William Keane, a testament to the power of love, prayer, and resilience.
Throughout their journey, the Keane family found solace and strength in the unwavering support of the March of Dimes. Their story illuminates the challenges many families face and stands as a beacon of hope amidst struggles. As the mission family for March for Babies, the Keane family embodies the spirit of resilience and underscores the urgent needs to support research to end pre-term births. Their journey serves as an inspiration for all, reminding us that with determination, love, and community support, miracles can happen, and every baby deserves a fighting chance!
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