Malia's Story - Hospitals of Regina Foundation

For 94 days, the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) was a second home to Michelle Montanini-Brown and her husband Travis Brown. Their daughter, Malia, had been born at 25 weeks gestation, almost 15 weeks before her due date. Weighing just 1 lb. 12 oz. at birth, their tiny little girl had a tough road ahead.

It was hard, but we decided to be positive because that was the one thing we could control, explained Michelle. We focused on putting a smile on our faces and taking it one day at a time. We knew it would be a roller coaster, but the staff in the NICU was so amazing. They helped us so much.

The pregnancy was not a first for Michelle. She had lost a baby in the second trimester 2 years earlier. They knew this pregnancy may be difficult, so they werent shocked when her 20-week ultrasound showed a problem with her cervix.

At 24 weeks, she went into labour for the first time and her doctor placed her on bed rest. I was basically standing on my head, recalls Michelle. Unfortunately, bed rest didnt work for long and she went into labour again the following week.

When Michelle delivered the baby, the NICU team took her to a station in the room, said Travis. Then we heard two little cries. That was the best feeling in the world.

He was able to touch Malia and get a couple of photos, but because she was so tiny, she was immediately sent to the NICU for specialized care. Although they couldnt hold her at first, Michelle and Travis spent countless hours with her in the unit, learning about the equipment that was keeping her alive and letting her grow.

Malia wouldnt be here if it werent for the equipment in the NICU, Michelle said. I know that its very expensive and thats why its so important for people to donate. Without that equipment, we wouldnt have our little girl. Twenty years ago, she probably wouldnt have survived and now shes healthy and amazing. Shes just a miracle.

Travis said that after having seen what the NICU does, he will probably support it for the rest of his life. Just knowing what the equipment does for families like us, its truly remarkable.

In November 2009, more than 3 months after Malias birth, they were able to bring her home. Shes a little hero to go through what shes gone through and she doesnt even know it, said Travis as he held his healthy, beautiful daughter. Michelle agreed. Shes full of fight and doesnt want to back down. Weve been waiting a long time to bring her home. We just love having her here.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• HRF Regina
• Hospitals of Regina Foundation
• Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
• Regina General Hospital
• Z99 Radiothon

[maccraken14]

Little boss :) way to go!