Garrett He was born in May this year with severe lung insufficiency, which prevented him from breathing on his own. So He spent months in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Seattle Children's Hospital (United States) fighting for his life.
On Tuesday, September 18, his parents Erin and Kevin Smith returned to the hospital with his two-year-old son Griffen and little Garrett, to donate 204 muslin that can comfort other babies who go through the same thing as Garrett and so thank all the center staff did for them.
There is news that touches our hearts more than others, and in this case, we must admit that we have been excited, and much. Glad to know that a baby with medical problems gets ahead and even more when grateful parents recognize the work of the professionals who took care of their baby.
This It is the story of Garrett and his parents, but also of the generosity of family and friends, who made their donations so that the muslin arrived at the hospital.
Little Garrett, a true fighter
Photo courtesy of Erin and Kevin Smith Erin and Kevin Smith of Edmonds, Washington (USA) say that they knew that their son Garrett, a full-term baby, had a problem, just born in May: "Instead of crying like any newborn, it seemed that it was difficult for him to breathe and he whined softly".
As it worsened, Garrett was transferred to the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) of Seattle Children's Hospital. During his first 20 days he failed to breathe on his own but with the help of ECMO (extra-bodily membrane oxygenation). The diagnosis: severe pulmonary hypertension.
In Babies and more, does it breathe well? Five curiosities about breathing in babies you should knowAfter two weeks fighting for his life, little Garrett managed to breathe without mechanical help, although he still had to spend six more weeks admitted before he could go home.
A gentle gesture of love towards their saviors
Garrett and his family. Photo courtesy of Arlene Chambers Photography As usual, these months deeply marked his parents Erin and Kevin.
They remember that the news that doctors gave them about their little one was getting worse and the transfer from one hospital to another was traumatic. However, they say that the warm treatment that the professionals gave their son has been recorded in his memory. Further:
"The doctors and nurses were always willing to explain things to us and answer all questions."
Therefore, as they prepared to return home, the family sought a way to show their gratitude to the doctors and nurses. Erin explained to the hospital that:
"Although there is nothing enough to thank the people who saved their son's life, we wanted to do something that not only made the nurses happy, but also benefited future families."
It was as well as remembering the feeling of comfort they felt when catching Garrett wrapped in a muslin, for the first time after leaving the ECMO, they decided to collect some of them to donate to the NICU so that they can wrap other vulnerable babies admitted. The reason, according to his parents explained to Babble:
”The hospital blankets did not let perspiration and Garrett did not seem comfortable wrapped in them. The blankets donated to the hospital by our family and friends are made of muslin, which are light and extremely breathable. ”
In Babies and more A mother donates more than 52 liters of breast milk to babies in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit But the visit to the NICU at the Seattle Children's Hospital to make the donation was not exciting only for the Smith family, also for the staff that took care of Garrett and continues to care for babies like him on a daily basis.
"These donated blankets will mean a lot to our families"says Flor García, a NICU nurse at the Children's Hospital of Seattle. And he adds that:
"Little things like blankets are very important for our parents, because it gives them a sense of normalcy and a means to interact with their baby."Garrett has turned four months
Garrett today. Photo courtesy of Erin and Kevin Smith His parents, Erin and Kevin, say that their little one has passed many ups and downs since they arrived home. Among her, difficulties in feeding, which forced her to place Nasogastric Intubation.
But luckily, since August he eats by himself and it seems that, despite all these initial obstacles, Garrett, who is now 4 months old, is doing much better, and his prognosis for the future is excellent.
"Garrett is developing normally and doctors expect him to lead a normal life.", explain their parents.
A happy ending for an adorable child. This is a story that we like to write about.
Photos | Erin Smith and Arlene Chambers Photography (with publication authorization)
