Patient Story: Immediate medical care saved Katie and Theo’s lives
Hearing the words “you have a severe medical condition” is terrifying for anyone. But for Katie, while 30 weeks pregnant with her first child, her diagnosis with HELLP – a rare pregnancy complication and type of preeclampsia – meant that she required immediate medical intervention to save both her and her son’s lives.
Following her diagnosis, her health team at Health Sciences North (HSN) immediately recognized the severity of her condition. She was given a platelet transfusion and required an emergency C-section that prompted her an overnight stay in the Intensive Care Unit and bed rest for two days in the birthing centre.
After three days of recovering, Katie was able to meet her son, Theo, for the first time. “Those three days were the longest three days of my life,” said Katie. ”But I knew Theo and I were in phenomenal care. I am thankful for all of the doctors, nurses and staff in the NEO Kids and Family Program who have supported my son, husband, and I – and continue to support us. I don’t know where we would be without them!”
Being born ten weeks early and only 2lbs and 10oz meant Theo required care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). His breathing was unstable, and he had multiple interventions, including a breathing tube, bi-pap, c-pap, and feeding tube and spent numerous hours in one of the donor-funded OMNI beds receiving care. After six long weeks in the NICU, he was finally able to go home with his family for the first time.
Although he arrived early, Theo is in good health and continues to receive care at the Children’s Treatment Centre. Katie has made a full recovery and enjoys caring for her son and watching him grow and develop. Being from the Greater Sudbury area, Katie and her husband are grateful to have the medical support and equipment they needed right here in their community.
Growth of the NEO Kids and Family Program at HSN means that patients in Northeastern Ontario can continue to receive life-saving treatment, when they need it most. By donating today, you are helping other patients, like Katie and Theo, stay close to home for the specialized care they need.