Keely Johnson
At just 6 weeks gestation, Keely’s parents were told that she was not compatible with life. They were given the option to terminate the pregnancy, or if not Keely’s mom was told she would probably miscarry. At 13 weeks gestation her parents were told that the amniotic fluid was low, hindering lung development. At 17 weeks the perinatal physicians told them Keely did not have a bladder or kidneys, and were questioning lung and stomach development. Again physicians suggested medical termination.
Keely’s parents understood that physicians had to inform them of all the worst case possibilities, but they had God and lots of prayers on their side. They could not terminate.
At 21 weeks gestation, a sonogram showed a full bladder, two kidneys and a stomach. Physicians were still worried about lung development due to low fluid. At 23 weeks and 3 days, Keely’s mom’s water broke. The little fluid she had was lost. She was admitted in the hospital in Daytona, and transferred to Wolfson Women’s and Children’s Center at Baptist. She was there for nine weeks, and taken care of by loving staff of nurses, dietary, housekeeping, volunteers and secretaries. She recalls the perinatologist being wonderful, caring and hopeful. She could not have been in a better place.
On December 24, 2010 a miracle happened. Baby Keely was born, and lived thanks to God’s guidance of their care that day. Keely’s parents feel so blessed with the best doctors, nurses and extended staff that day.
When they arrived, Keely’s parents were asked how far they wanted to go. They wanted to go all the way, do anything to save their baby.
Immediately transferred to the Newborn Intensive Care Unit, Keely was intubated by Dr. Hudak. Born with Pierre Robin syndrome, Keely’s jaw was too small for her to breathe. At just 5 hours of age Dr. Roy placed a trach, at bedside.
Born at just 32 weeks 4 days, weighing 2 pounds 8 ounces and 14.5 inches long, baby Keely is now ten months old, weighs over 15 pounds and over 23 inches long. From days that she was so sick there wasn’t much hope, today she is a happy baby, and getting stronger every day.
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