
I’ll never forget all those eyes on me, I could almost feel them.
The last thing any mother wants to hear is that they will be leaving the hospital without their newborn. That happy day you’ve been anticipating for so long is put on hold. This was going to be a journey our family never prepared for. But we weren’t alone. On April 4th, 2018, our son Ethan was delivered in a very crowded operating room. I’ll never forget all those eyes on me, I could almost feel them. They belonged to people who were waiting to burst into action to save my son’s life as soon as he took his very first breath. Each person in that room that day was a Godsend and I wish I could thank them all personally. I couldn’t see their faces, only masks and eyes, but to me, they are all angels.

Ethan was immediately taken to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in an incubator, where he stayed for the next 53 days. Wires, tubes, tests, monitors, alarms, day in and day out. These were the longest days of my entire life. We were told from the very beginning that this journey would be a rollercoaster ride, that there would be ups and downs. We were told there could be complications due to his early arrival, that he would have setbacks. Fortunately, he only got better; each day, he improved, growing healthy and strong. During Ethan’s time there, the nurses and doctors became family to us. Dr. Helou, Dr. Pane, Christie B., Kris, Beverly P., Alexis S., and Dan were my support, my comfort when I needed it most. When no one else I knew could possibly understand what I was going through, they were there for me. They were always patient with me, the terrified new mother of a preemie, and answered my questions day or night. They calmed my every fear and taught me everything I needed to know, the simplest things, from feeding and bathing to kangaroo care (skin-to-skin contact between infant and parent), and so much more.
We met so many people I will never forget.
Ethan grew his own bonds with the nurses, too. I could see how they calmed him and never made him feel scared, despite all he had to go through right at the start of his life. There was an attachment, a bond that could not be broken. I felt so lucky to have them taking care of my son whenever I had to leave the hospital without him. That was always the hardest part, but I knew he was in great hands.

Please support this extraordinary team that stands by at all hours, ready to save infants’ lives and support their families during the scariest times of their lives. Register now for the 31st Annual GBMC Father’s Day 5K and 1 Mile Fun Walk to benefit the NICU. I never thought my family would need this type of care, but I am so thankful it was here for us.