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In the early morning hours of September 13, 2003 our daughter Hailey was born at just over 31 weeks gestation. From the second Hailey was born, it was clear she was in the fight for her life. After nearly four weeks in the NICU, Hailey was well enough to come home. Just when we thought our unexpected journey had ended, the realization it had just begun was setting in.
By the time Hailey was one she was diagnosed with spastic diplegia cerebral palsy as well as cortical visual impairment. We’ve been told these are the two worst diagnoses to have together, physically impaired and visually impaired. Knowing this, we never gave up hope that Hailey would live a happy, healthy, normal life.
In September 2007, Hailey had a major spinal cord surgery to relieve some of the tightness from her lower extremities. Unfortunately, the procedure also caused severe back pain, muscle spasms and major weakness. Earlier that year we had been referred to a new children’s rehabilitation doctor in town, Dr. Louise Spierre. Once again, we went to her for help. Dr. Spierre gave us hope, making us feel as though Hailey was her only patient. She spent countless hours calling doctors across the country for insight into Hailey’s condition and even researched Hailey’s symptoms on her own. Throughout the process, Dr. Spierre never forgot that the file in her hand labeled “Hailey Hamilton” was someone’s daughter.
Two years after Hailey’s spinal cord procedure, Dr. Spierre continues to give us hope, encouragement and options. At the end of this journey, whether Hailey is walking or cruising past us in her power chair, I can honestly say we worked alongside the best in this field of medicine. We are fortunate to know our daughter has been well taken care of by Dr. Spierre and WCH-Rehab. Thank you for all of the continuous care not only for our child, but for all of the others you’ve helped along the way. |
