On Sunday, September 24, 2023 my sister and I will be Joggin' for a Noggin in the Quad Cities Marathon. September also happens to be Craniosynostosis Awareness Month, which leads me to the very reason we decided to take on this feat.
My sweet Penelope May was born at 1:12 p.m. at 7 lbs and 14 oz on New Years Eve. She arrived on a day of new beginnings and promises for a better life, and boy did she change ours. She's moved mountains in her almost 2 years of life. I think as a mother, all you want to do is protect your children from harm - some bumps and bruises, maybe even a broken heart or two, but nothing quite prepares you to hear the word “surgery”, especially as you look into the eyes of your 3 month old. I had many arguments with God over the course of several months before her surgery. The night before we headed to Lurie Children's I said one more prayer, but this time I begged Him to not let her feel any pain. I prayed He would take all the strength I had and give it to Penny.
On Tuesday, September 6, 2022 at 7:30 a.m. my 8 month old baby was taken back for surgery. Seven hours Ben and I were left with our thoughts. And wouldn’t you know, she woke from anesthesia cooing, smiling and giggling by the time she made it to her hospital room. At one point, her eyes had swelled shut and Ben and I sat on either side of her. We’d take turns talking to her and she’d reach for us and feel our faces and smile. Her strength and endurance is truly something not of this world.
There was no question when considering what hospital we wanted the surgery to take place at. Lurie Children's provided a sense of security knowing their surgeons are the best of the best. And that's what you want for your children, to have the best. Penny will continue to be seen for the next 5 years of her life, and thanks to Lurie Children's, our appointments are celebrations. She is thriving and happy.
The more you know: Craniosynostosis is a birth defect in which the bones in a baby's skull join together too early. This happens before the baby's brain is fully formed. As the baby's brain grows, the skull can become more misshapen. The spaces between a typical baby's skull bones are filled with flexible material and called sutures.
As a nonprofit hospital, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago depends on donations to provide a healthier future for every child. Your gifts can help fuel life-saving research, comfort kids during challenging procedures and provide access to world-class care for families in need.
I hope you’ll help me reach my goal in support of the patients and families at Lurie Children’s.
Here’s how your donations can make a difference:
$100 is enough help make a child’s hospital stay a more positive experience with activities, supplies and toys.
$250 can provide patients with the support they need to thrive after lengthy hospital stays.
$500 supports clinical trials to help discover new or more effective treatment options.
$1000 means we can train the next generation of specialists.
All donations are tax-deductible and will be acknowledged by Lurie Children’s Foundation.
On behalf of the patients and families of Lurie Children’s, thank you for your support!
