Willa's Warriors

Our family's journey began like the start of any healthy pregnancy, but it soon took a different turn. At just under 31 weeks, around 7 ½ months into my pregnancy, I returned from a weekend getaway with my husband, Kyle, for our Babymoon. The news I received upon my return was unexpected - the doctor advised immediate admission to the hospital without any delay. There was no time to go back home and pack a bag; I had to head to the hospital right away as per the doctor's instructions. Kyle and I set a new goal that we never thought we would have to strive for - keeping our precious Willa in the womb until 32 weeks.

However, at 31 weeks and 1 day, known as '31 and 1' in the NICU, Willa's heart rate began to drop, signaling the time to meet her had arrived. It was a conversation no new parents want to have, but one we had prepared for. I knew I wanted Kyle to be with Willa if she arrived early and unwell. Despite the fear and uncertainty, I wanted him to go with her, to be by our baby girl's side.

Willa entered the world weighing only 2.8 lbs, a tiny and fragile miracle. Kyle vividly recalls the moment he had to leave me and follow as they wheeled Willa to the NICU. The sight of her passing by, so small and vulnerable, stirred emotions in everyone present, without a word being spoken.

Despite the statistics suggesting otherwise, we found ourselves facing the threat of NEC, a dangerous intestinal complication, after I had only held Willa once before she fell ill. Sensing that something was amiss, I expressed my concerns to the nurse earlier that day. Willa was swiftly transferred to the Texas Children's Hospital NICU for specialized care.

The move, though just a short distance away, felt monumental to me. My sister's words reassured me that overcoming this challenge, like all the others we had faced, was within our reach. The embrace of the neonatologist, typically reserved, provided much-needed comfort in that moment of uncertainty.

As NICU parents, we endured multiple 5-plus hour surgery, witnessed Willa's struggles, and battled through her health complications. It felt like we were mere spectators in our child's life, as Willa spent over 200 days in the NICU.

Despite the challenges, being NICU parents forged a deep bond among us. We supported each other through the tough times, celebrating small victories and sharing in each other's pain. While we rejoiced in the joy of other families taking their babies home, our hearts ached with the longing to bring Willa home too.

After experiencing numerous milestones in the NICU, from her first smile to special occasions like Thanksgiving and Christmas, our moment finally arrived. We walked out of the hospital with our precious baby in our arms.

Today, Willa stands as a vibrant five-year-old, surpassing all expectations and blossoming each day. Her remarkable progress and growth are a testament to the unwavering dedication of her multiple doctors, surgeons, occupational therapists, physical therapists, nutritionist, and speech therapist. Their invaluable support has played a pivotal role in Willa's journey to complete healing. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those who have contributed to her well-being and commend Willa for her tenacity and unwavering spirit.

Our journey may not have unfolded as we had envisioned, but amidst the grief and challenges, I am determined to find positivity. Discovering the March of Dimes 'My NICU Baby' App towards the end of our NICU journey was a blessing. I wish I had found it sooner. My involvement with the Patient Advocacy Committee at Texas Children's Hospital and March of Dimes has been a source of fulfillment.

March of Dimes' impact on families, from developing crucial treatments like TPN to advocating for newborn screening, is commendable. Partnering with March of Dimes has allowed me to support other families and contribute to the fight for the health of all moms and babies.

Your support for families like mine through March of Dimes is invaluable. Your partnership enables more babies to thrive and helps March of Dimes provide crucial support to families in need. We are grateful for our sweet Willa, the dedicated healthcare providers, and the generous volunteers who make up our community.

Thank you for standing with us in this journey, ensuring that families like ours receive the care and support they need. Your contribution to March of Dimes is making a difference in the lives of countless families.