Amelia Grace

Amelia came into our world on September 18th, 2009. She was the first born of triplets. She weighed 2lbs.14oz and had a head full of dark hair. In the 2nd trimester of my pregnancy an ultrasound revealed calcifications on the intestines of Amelia and Brenna. It was explained to us that there may or may not be a problem but that it could be easily fixed by a surgical procedure after birth. On the day the girls were born we were so thankful when it appeared they were healthy. We received a phone call later that night from the Dr. explaining that he suspected Amelia and Brenna had cystic fibrosis. We were devastated. It was two long months later after a series of tests, that they were able to rule this out. During that time, Brenna showed no signs of illness. Unfortunately for Amelia that was not the case. At four days old she had surgery. It was the first of seven. Her first surgery revealed an intestinal tear leaving her entire pelvis filled with meconium. She was given an illiostomy that would be later repaired after she was a few months older. It was thought that all was well and Amelia would hopefully recover to lead a normal healthy life.



Amelia spent her first six and a half months of life at Childrens Hospital. She had numerous intestinal obstructions and unexplained infection. At 6 weeks old, Amelia grew very ill, which was a shock because she had appeared to be well on her way to recovery. She was taken into surgery immediately and we learned that her insides were full of infection. We sat by her bedside for days not knowing if she would survive another day. At this point, doctors and specialists were coming in and out all day long. All the while their eyes revealed they had little hope that Amelia's little body could survive all it had been through. We were horrified when days later we watched as her body created what is called a fistula. Basically, it created a hole in her stomach to relieve some of the pressure and rid her body of waste that had been trapped. That is what turned out to be her saving grace. After that she began a long road to recovery. In the last month of her stay, an MRI revealed significant brain damage due to lack of oxygen to the brain. It was believed to have occurred at some point during her hospital stay. Amelia had battled her illness and won, but now she is battling another obstacle: brain damage. We couldn't help but feel how unfair this entire situation was, but even then we were told by her doctor that she could still go on to live a normal life, possibly unaffected by the brain damage. And that's what we believed.


Amelia finally came home from the hospital on March 26th, 2010. It wasn't until then we realized the extent of her situation, which we were not at all prepared for. Amelia was sent home using a feeding tube and after most feedings, she would vomit what seemed to be the majority of her formula. This went on all hours of the day and night. If it wasn't coming out of her mouth, it was coming out the other end. She was uncomfortable and unhappy, which was a large portion of the time. She was unable to hold her head up and seemed to have very little eyesight. When compared to her triplet sisters, Amelia was very different. We attributed most of this to her long stay at the hospital, and thought with time, she would catch up with her sisters. It wasn't until meeting with a neurologist that we learned what a terribly difficult road Amelia had ahead. He informed us that she had little chance of leading a normal life. He believed she may never sit or walk on her own. Furthermore, the doctor had no way of knowing if she would ever be able to communicate with us. We left this appointment feeling devasted and completely hopeless. Where does a family go from here?


Amelia will be two years old this September, and since her homecoming, she has made leaps and bounds. Currently, she has nine appointments a week, which include: occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, and vision therapy. She also attends conductive education therapy at Plus Center in Burnsville, MN twice a week.



At this time, Amelia is able to eat table foods like her siblings and rarely uses her feeding tube. In order to keep her weight consistent, we also supplement her with high calorie formula. She was set to have her feeding tube removed last spring, however, due to four episodes of pneumonia over the past winter, this was postponed. Along with her progress in eating, she's also babbling and learning new words.



Previously, Amelia wasn't interacting with her surroundings. It was a struggle to get her interested in playing with any sort of toy. She is now getting her hands on any toys in her reach and being very playful with her siblings. The change has occurred over the past four to five months. Recently, Amelia has learned to roll over, and sit and stand assisted for short periods of time. She's practicing taking steps, and there is talk of a walker in the near future.


All of her achievements and progress would not be possible without the help of the therapists and nurses that work with her daily. And of course not without her hard work and constant desire to be challenged. She is so eager to do all the things that her siblings are doing. We'd also like to thank our family and friends for all their help, prayers, and support. We are so proud of our little girl and everything that she has overcome. Amelia has taught us to fully appreciate the little things in life and we celebrate every milestone she has accomplished.


Please join us for the Plus Center's Fundraiser Walk

August 13th, 2011 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Burnsville, Lac Lavon Park

Parents, children, siblings, extended family and friends are invited!

Food and beverages will be provided. Fun activities for the children

Plus Center is dedicated to helping children with motor disabilities realize their unique and amazing potential. Founded on the practices and principles of ConductiveEducation, Plus Center believes that every child, regardless of physical ability, deserves the opportunity to see their role in the world as an active one.

100% of the donations will be used to help families to participate in the program

If you are unable to attend but would like to sponsor a child, please send your donation to:

Plus Center, 13649 Ashcroft Rd. Savage MN 55378

Please indicate the sponsored child’s name on the check. Other donations go to the general ScholarshipFund to help new clients participate in the program.

For more info contact Plus Center – (612) 483-6748

http://www.pluscenter.org/

In case of bad weather the event will be held at 12940 Harriet Ave. S. Suite 215, Burnsville, MN 55337