WILLOW’S STORY: A NICU MIRACLE AT THE JEWISH GENERAL HOSPITAL
When our daughter Willow was born, it was nothing short of a miracle.
At 20 weeks pregnant, our doctor told us our baby was very small. At first, we didn’t think it was serious. But soon after, things changed: Swelling in Vanessa’s face, jumping two clothing sizes, and her blood pressure shooting through the roof. That’s when she was admitted to the JGH.
It was one of the scariest times of our lives. Vanessa was diagnosed with preeclampsia, a dangerous condition that threatens both mother and baby. We were overwhelmed. She was put on two medications to control her blood pressure.
After 15 days at the JGH, Vanessa gave birth to our daughter Willow 10 weeks early, weighing just two pounds. But she was alive. And that meant everything to us.
Thanks to the incredible care at the JGH, we were never alone. The doctors and nurses explained every risk and every decision, calming our fears and giving us hope. And we know that it’s donors who help make that unparalleled care possible.
The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) became our second home. Willow was placed in a state-of-the-art Giraffe Incubator, and we took turns holding her close in a Kangaroo Chair. Donors helped fund both!
The NICU team used special fortifiers to strengthen her milk. When she gained weight too fast – a risk to her heart – a nurse noticed immediately, and the doctors acted quickly. Their attention to every detail saved her life again and again.
After 54 days in the NICU, we took our baby girl home.
Today, Willow is 15 months old. She’s healthy, happy, and full of life. Her first word? “Wow.” That’s exactly how we feel when we think of the JGH… and the generous donors who support it.
Your support helps fund the cutting-edge equipment and expert care that saved our daughter’s life – and the lives of so many more patients across the Hospital. Each donation supports JGH staff members in caring for patients of all ages and delivering groundbreaking care, research, and innovation when it matters most.
Please consider donating today to help make more tomorrows possible for patients at the JGH and beyond.
With love,
Vanessa and Michael