The Spirit of Hope in the Midst of Pain
Pam Labuda will never forget the first time she laid eyes on her tiny, two-pound girl Natalie Ryan.
“She was actually much bigger than we had expected, and what a head of hair,” said Pam.
Natalie was delivered by a C-section at only 27 weeks on May 23, 2000 at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC. Although premature, Natalie came out screaming. Her arrival was prompted by immediate medical care following the unexpected death of her twin sister, Nicole Rae.
Natalie remained in Magee’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for 43 days and spent another month in convalescent care where she received constant medical attention and observation from specialists and staff. Due to her low birth weight, Natalie required respiratory support. She was kept on a ventilator for a short while and was then moved to a continuous positive airway pressure machine (CPAP) to aid her breathing.
Overwhelmed with grief over the loss of Natalie’s twin, Nicole, the Labuda family tried to stay centered through the ups and downs of Natalie’s condition and the time she spent at Magee. On day 17 in the NICU, Pam and her husband Tim were overcome with joy when they were finally able to hold Natalie for the first time.
In the following weeks, Natalie underwent multiple ultrasounds to monitor her brain development as well as pockets of calcification on her kidneys and gallbladder. Fortunately, the minor abnormality in the left side of her brain and other complications caused by her prematurity resolved as Natalie gained weight and strength.
On those days when the Labudas felt helpless, weary, or anxious about Natalie’s progress, the Magee staff was there for support. “From the head of the department at that time, to the staff members and students, we were made to feel as though every effort was being made to provide optimal care for Natalie; as well as provide us with frequent updates regarding her condition,” said Pam.
After spending 75 days at Magee, Natalie was sent home on August 6, 2000.
Today, Natalie is a healthy and active 9-year-old girl who loves school and arts and crafts. She is involved in dance classes and is a cheerleader for her brothers’ football teams. As the middle child and only girl, Natalie makes sure to keep her brothers Timmy and Nolan in line.
“From the time we arrived some nine plus years ago, to any current contact we have with the hospital, our perception remains the same. We are impressed and made to feel like our particular issues are important,” stated Pam.
|
