Thursday, November 20, 2008

A few words from Darius Rucker

Hey ya'll its me Darius and i have got to say that the love and caring i felt today at this hospital is overwhelming. To be here and just be a part of something so special is a honor. As i walked thru the corridors everyone felt the need to thank me, to all those people; I am here for one day, you guys do this everyday so please don't thank me..........THANK ALL OF YOU!!!!!!

Halle

We began our journey at UNC Hospital with the birth of a little girl Halle Purvis, She weighed one pound 7 ounces. We were able to bring her home 3 days short of her 1st birthday thanks to all of the wonderful Doctors and nurses that are now our extended famiy. We can never thank them enough for all they have done.

A Dance Marathon for the Children's Hospital

Hi! I'm Marley Pluta, a senior member of Wake-Forest Rolesville's Social Organization and services club. Every year we hold a Dance Marathon to raise money for Duke and UNC's childrens hospital through business sponsership and student donations. Our group is dedicated to community service, and our club advisor, Mike Meyer is a great man who has helped us organize the Dance Marathon. Last year we took a trip to Penn States Dance-a-thon to learn some tips to make this years Dance Marathon even better. We love helping the two hospitals and people in need. The Dance Marathon is a six hour dance, with a lazer show, a dj, and food from a local pizza restaurant. It's usually held at the end of the school year, and it is annual. This year we raised a total of over 18,00$, 8,500$ of which went to UNC. Please help this and any other hospitals to take care of the sick children, the ones who really need it.

Baby Rylee 1.1 lbs

  • Rylee
Hi! Our story is about our youngest daughter, Rylee Grace! She was born 3 months (26 4/7 weeks gestational) early on November 14, 2007. Her original due date was February 16, 2008. She weighed 1 pound, 1 ounce (486 grams) and was 11.5 inches long. My husband describes her as the size of his Razor cell phone, however, I think the cell phone weighed more! Rylee spent the first 3 months (88 days) of her life in the UNC NICU. We were so lucky to end up at UNC - we were welcomed in as part of the family. Her primary nurses, Tiffany, Rene and Linda, were absolute angels. Without them and everyone involved with the NICU at UNC we would not have gotten through this ordeal as well as we did. Dr. South, Dr. Bose, Dr. Grebe and Jonathan were Rylee's doctor's throughout. Again, absolute angels. There were times we felt intimidated by them, and some times they down right scared us to death. In looking back, I wouldn't have asked for anything else.

It took me two days before I could come up with the strength to go and see Rylee. The pod was dark with just night lights on - I was taken back to the corner by a window where Rylee was. OMG. I could not believe my eyes - I kept looking for something to give me a sign that she was going to be OK, that she didn't look all that bad, that she was close to looking like a regular full-term newborn and you know nothing struck me except for how small she was. And how in the world is this baby going to make it. I was basically in shock - I was afraid to touch her, I didn't cry - I was just numb. It wasn't until this child who was placed on her side with all kinds of wires and monitors and stuff stuck to her lifted her tiny little body up on her own by her itty bitty legs - that I thought to myself WOW she is strong. I was truly amazed and at that point I thought man this kid has some fight in her - she is strong and determined. And that in the end is exactly our little Rylee!

Rylee beat the odds and for that we consider her our little miracle! She was delivered via emergency c-section due to mommy battling high blood pressure and going into organ failure. She was delivered successfully and was crying or meowing as I like to describe it when she came out - most importantly she was breathing! Dr. South came over and told me that he was going to put the tube in her and hook her up to the ventilator. This was at 11:57A, November 14th - by that evening - I'd say around 7P or so she was removed from the ventilator and never looked back! She was placed on CPAP and then removed from CPAP on November 24, 2007 and then placed on high flow oxygen until February 1, 2008. Her kidney's were an issue in the begining - so she was born on a Wednesday and that Sunday they informed us that her urine output was very low and that renal failure could be occuring they gave Furosemide (Lasix) and her urine input improved and eventually was normal - thank god. We were so scared. Rylee was anemic and received 4 blood transfusions but like everything else she overcame this as well. She had bouts of desating during her feedings which was very unnerving but we became immune to the alarms on the monitors and just came to realize as the nurses put it "this is just Rylee!" She was moved to her Isolette on December 17. When she was crying I'm told she could be heard across the Pod! One nurse referred to her as having the will of an ox - I was so happy to hear this!!! She was moved to the open crib the 1st of February and was dischared on February 10th. She required hernia surgery prior to leaving which she got through successfully as well.

We have been truly, truly blessed with this teeny little miracle and for having all of these wonderful people in our lives. I feel overwhelmed when I think about what these talented people did for our baby. I have to be honest - my expectations were low - i wasn't sure if we'd get through this or what the outcome would be. But some how it worked out. Day after day visiting the hospital never wore us down but Rylee had everything to do wth that. She is so strong and such a little fighter - I admire her!

Ryee's big sister, Emily who is 5 wasn't able to visit her in the NICU due to RSV season so she had a hard time grasping the fact that she actually had a baby sister - as Rylee's health improved and she started putting on weight (I guess she was referred to as a feeder and a grower) we started bringing pictures home to Emily and she just loved it now she can't stay away from her little baby sister - she just love, love, loves her and I can say that Rylee feels the same! Nowadays, Rylee is AWESOME! She weighs around 12 pounds (she is gonna be petite) and is 10 months old (7 months adjusted) she is smiling, cooing, babbling, scooting, rolling, eating baby food, sharing belly laughs and you know she is just wonderful! We are close to sitting and crawling and her 1st birthday is quickly approaching - I can hardly believe it!

I will spend the rest of my life thanking all the people that prayed for us throughout this experience. All of the people that supported us and were there for us. Thanks for letting me share our story! I know when we were in the NICU I was online trying to find info and similar stories - this was good and bad. I found this website to be very inspiring - I hope our story does the same for others.

Thanks!
Kim, Patrick, Emily and Rylee

My GREAT TIME AT UNC

MY TIME AT UNC WAS GREAT ! FROM THE NURSES, DOCTORS, AND EVEN THE TRANSPORTERS ,WERE GREAT! WORDS CAN NOT EXPRESS MY GRATITUDE AND THANKS TOWARD UNC CHILDREN 'S HOSPITAL. ALL I REALLY WANT TO SAY IS THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH FOR MAKING ME WELL AGAIN MENTALLY, PHYSICALLY, AND SPIRITUALLY.I REALLY DO APPRECIATE ALL WHO HELPED IN MY CARE AND HELPED IN THE TASK TO MAKE WELL AGAIN, AND THANK GOD FOR ALL OF YOU EVERYDAY! SINCERLY, KAELYN DICKINSON (THANK YOU AGAIN!)

Participate in Miracles!!

Following our 115 day stay in the intensive care units here at UNC Children's Hospital, I can honestly say that I left feeling privileged to have been able to be a part of the miracles that occur at this hospital. My son, Ned, was born with a condition known as CDH (Congenital Diaphramatic Hernia) which prevented his lungs from forming prenatally. My husband and I had travelled across the county to find the best physicans to treat our son. The more research we did, the more grim his prognosis became. He was given a projected survival rate of less than 20%. We chose UNC after meeting some of the surgeons and head of pediatrics here. Just being exposed to their confidence and hope gave us a peace that we were longing to experience.

After birth, Ned received his CDH repair on day 3 of life. It was also on that day that the doctors here diagnosed a heart defect that would also require repair surgery. While that news could have been a huge blow, our doctors here possessed a quiet knowing that allowed me to place my son in their care with complete trust. Clearly, it was warranted. Today, following thirteen surgical proceedures, my 10 month old is growing and thriving.

As I return here today, I see the faces of those who were instrumental in the healing of my son and who literally walked with me through some of my deepest valleys. Their work is nothing short of miraculous and, as a staff, they meet every need of both patients and families. Donating to the UNC Hospitals will bless and save the lives of so many children!

Julia's Journey

Our daughter Julia was born on May 4, 2007. An hour after she was born, we learned that she had congenital heart defects. We knew that she faced at least 2 surgeries in the near future. We did not know that we were embarking on a journey that would lead us to NC Children's Hospital.

Julia spent 181 days at NC Children's in 2007. She underwent 4 heart surgeries before she was 5 months old. She spent about 4 months in the PICU on a ventilator. Rob and I went day by day, trading days and nights between the hospital and our home in Raleigh, where our 2 year old daughter waited and wondered where her baby sister was. We had no idea last fall if we would ever be a family of 4. It was a very dark period in our life.

Julia fought and won, thanks to the tireless work of the men and women who work at this wonderful facility. We made it home in Dec 2007 and have not looked back. Julia is now 18 months old and is thriving. Other than her scar, you would not know the struggle she went thru. We are a normal, busy family with 2 toddlers, thanks to NC Children's Hospital.

I would encourage any parent who has a healthy child to give any amount that they can. Be very thankful that your child is home and healthy but be grateful that this wonderful facility exists should your family ever need their services.

Happy Thanksgiving and good health to all, especially the kids!

Rob, Kimberly & Julia Diokno

Thanks for your support!

I'm Julie Byerley, a pediatrician here at the NC Children's Hospital. Thanks for your support! Gifts to the NC Children's Promise help us provide top notch care for children from across our state. The children we take care of are so inspiring, motivating us to learn more and work harder to do the best we can for them. Your gifts help us to provide the comprehensive care those kids and families deserve. Please take a minute to donate what you can now. We appreciate your help!

Help the Children

I am a senior in high school, and have been coming to the UNC Children's Hospital for three years. My freshman year of high school I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease. The Children's Hospital has become an important part of my life and my family's life since then. After several hospitalizations and many outpatient visits, I can attest that the money raised helps make life easier for many children. Having been in the infusion room on many occasions the comfortable seating and entertainment makes a long day much easier to handle.

I feel very fortunate to have Dr. Sandy Kim helping me manage my disease. She spends many hours caring for patients and researching GI disorders particularly Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis to find new treatments and hopefully a cure one day. Donations made to the North Carolina Children's Promise will help children fighting many different diseases have a place that puts children first. It has meant a great deal to me to have a place to come with people who are so dedicated and work so hard to make my life and many others life as normal as possible. Please make your pledge so all the people at UNC Children's Hospital can continue to do this special work.

Mary Beth Tripp

Moved to NC for Better Medical Care

I moved to North Carolina from Florida a little over a year ago specifically for UNC Hospital. I wanted the very best care for my daughter who has cystic fibrosis, a progressive chronic illness that affects her lungs and digestive system. UNC Hospital has one of the largest research centers for cystic fibrosis and there are numerous studies going on for new treatments for this disease that currently has no cure. At the time of my move, UNC Hospital at Chapel Hill had eleven pediatric pulmonologists on staff--that is a tremendous number for any hospital. The move for my family has been well worth it.

My daughter, Megan, is getting the best care that I could find and nothing could be more important to me than her health. I believe that she is doing as well as she is because of the care she is getting here. The doctors and nursing staff have been wonderful and really listen to us. We are an integral part in her care. The hospital school has also allowed Megan, despite her numerous long-term stays, to keep up with her education. She would never have been able to move to the next grade without the tutoring in her hospital room.

UNC Hospital gives so much to its patients and their families. It affects us all. If we have not personally used the hospital and their services, we know a neighbor, family member, or friend who has. The hospital would not be able to do all it does for us without the donations that the public so generously provides.

Thank you UNC Hospital for caring so much for us all!

Wendy Willis
Parent of a child with cystic fibrosis

Don't Delay! Donate Now!

Look... we all lead busy lives. But you've come this far by reading this blog, so take the next step and pledge a donation today to the NC Children's Hospital. They need the resources to continue the incredible things they do every day.

Like when they saved my wife's life. It didn't seem like a bad day. Normal pregnancy. Labor proceeded okay (if you can call being up all night "okay"). But during her c-section things went horribly wrong. But the amazing staff here swooped in and saved her life and my daughter's. A few days later, they were both home. A few months later, they were both completely fine. Six years later, we had another one!

I owe them her life. For that I am eternally grateful. I hope you will do what you can to help support the miracles the NC CHildren's Hospital performs.

Todd Wielar

7th YEAR !!!!!!! Listen Watch and Pledge !

Waking up at 4am, driving an hour and 45 minutes and running on nothing but excitement. That is pretty much the extent of my day so far. My name is Brittany and I have been a patient at the NC Children's Hospital for 18 years this November. The hospital is my second home, the patients doctors and staff another family and all together this place is my life. I would not want to be at any other hospital. I was diagnosed at 13 months old with a rare condition called Evans Syndrome where my body fights itself and then at the age of 10 years Common Variable Immune Difficancy, where I do not have an immune system. I was given 30 days to live, the hospital has saved my life.The radiothon is a time for me to say thank you to the doctors staff and nurses who have given me my life back and worked endlessy to give me the best care possible. The radiothon means the world to me, I look forward to it more than christmas ! I have been coming since the very first year and to think we are in our 7th year now leaves me absolutely flabergasted. All of the time I get asked why I come bck year after year and in years before it has been simply to thank the hospital but now I have another reason. I come every year not only to say thank you but also for my friends from the hospital who are to sick to like Andrew or have passed on, we miss you Rebecca!<3 ! I also come to see friends I have made through the radiothon like Monica. We are all family here and the NC Chidrens Hospital is our home. I Can not thank those of you who have made donations already enough and want you to know that your donations are what makes this hospital possible. If you have not made a donation yet PLEASE DO, you can make your donation by going to www.ncchildrenspromise.org and following the links,buying the auction items available on the ebay page (links on main childrens promise site) or the easiest way by picking up the phone and calling 1-866-9-NCKIDS ! Please call, it is to quiet here right now and I want to hear the phones ringing. Things are starting to get crazy and will only get crazier as performances and donations start throughout the day feel free to come out and be part of an amazing cause. Have a great day and God Bless.

Love,
Brittany Mathews
19, NC Childrens Hospital Patient for 18 years.

Another great day!

I have been privileged to be a physician at the North Carolina Children's Hospital for the past 5 years. As a specialist in pediatric gastroenterology (call me the gut doc!), specifically Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, I care for many children and teens. Being a physician does not merely involve examining a patient, doing some tests and procedures, and writing a few prescriptions. We have a partnership with the children and their families to help them in all aspects of their care: medical, educational, psychological. I am blessed to work with an incredible team of physicians, nurses, nutritionist, transitioning coordinators, and psychologists whose primary goal is to deliver the very best care while supporting our families.

I am so grateful for all of the support all of you reading this blog and listening to the radiothon have given to the North Carolina Children's Hospital. We are committed to serving your children and ALL of the children in the state of North Carolina in all areas: clinical care, research, advocacy. Have a wonderful day!

Sandra Kim, M.D.
Pediatric Gastroenterologist
University of North Carolina and
The North Carolina Children's Hospital

Birdseye View

It's hard to believe this is the seventh year of the N.C. Children's Promise. Seven years! Really? Already? It truly feels like it was yesterday that we were assembling in conference rooms week after week, trying to figure out how to get it all done. How were a dozen or more radio stations going to fit into the lobby of a hospital to broadcast their shows live? How would we attract well known artists to perform live? Would families be willing to share their experience with so many people they've never met before? Would they really want to relive time and time again what they've gone through?

Seven years later and I am still amazed. Amazed by the families who volunteer to answer phones, those who share their stories regardless of how painful it can be. They are the reason we continue to do this. They are the reason why the community is so willing to open its heart and give of themselves. They are the reason for the N.C. Children's Promise.

You know, there's healing in the narratives that we sometimes share. We see ourselves in them. Often times we can relate. The narratives of these families today are of strength, of courage, of resilience, of promise. There's healing in these stories for each of us.

Stephanie Crayton
Medical Center News Office

HSP by devin

Hi I'm Devin I was in the hospital with a disease called Henock Shoeline Pupura which gave me extreme abdominal pain I was ten then and very sick, but now I am okay. Right now I am dealing with IGA Nephropathy which is another kidney disease also I dealt with the death of my grand father 2 months after I was discharged that year was very tough for my family. Now Iam in a basketball league and was on my school soccer team.

Eleanor

I'm Eleanor and I'm nine years old. I was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a bone cancer, in October 2007. I am going through chemo treatment right now.
The nurses and the doctors at UNC Children's hospital are really nice. I like to trade stories with everyone, including the rec therapists and the music therapist, Elizabeth. Everybody at the hospital makes my hospital stay more enjoyable.
Please donate money to the 2008 UNC Children's Promise to help all kids that need medical attention.

Abigail and Rachel Ward's Story

Eight years ago my husband and I came to UNC. I was pregnant with twins and I was 25 weeks along. We spent 4 days here trying to stop my early delivery...and then I ruptured. Our daughters, Abigail and Rachel, were born at 26 weeks. We were so lucky to be at UNC . Our daughters spent 3 months here fighting for their lives. My husband and I were here 105 days. Everyday! We could not be more grateful to UNC for their amazing medical care and support as my husband and I faced our most difficult challenge. We are lucky to sit here today with a success story. Our daughters are perfect. They challenge us like every 8 year old daily and we couldn't be happier. Please support the Children's Hospital. Your donation will help families survive the biggest challege they may ever face. If you donate....you will never regret it.

Let the pledging begin!

Today is a day we look forward to all year. It is always great to get back together with our friends from Curtis Media, News 14 Carolina, and Time Warner Cable. The N.C. Children's Promise is about so much more than a fundraiser. It is about letting people all across the state know about the N.C. Children's Hospital, a place where any child who needs care for a complex or chronic illness will get help that they need. The N.C. Children's Hospital is really about the people who work here and the patients who they care for, not a building or even the equipment needed to deliver the care. Right now there are 136 child in the hospital getting cutting edge care on par with anyplace in the country. It is an honor to work in a place that is about seeing that any child needing help will get it, regardless of their ability to pay. This event helps us raise money to keep care at the cutting edge. We can put the physicians nurses and other staff together, but gifts from the N.C. Children's Promise put the tools in the hands of these folks to do their work. This hospital is about helping all of our patients reach their potential and hopefully live long and productive lives. Thanks to everyone for helping us get this done.

Dr. Alan Stiles
Physician-in-Chief, N.C. Children's Hospital
Chair, Department of Pediatrics

Keeping our promises for the 7th year!


Join the celebration! The seventh annual N.C. Children's Promise Celebration is under way live in the lobby of the N.C Children's Hospital. Listen on Curtis Media Group radio stations or watch on News 14 Carolina.

The 2008 N.C. Children's Promise Celebration will broadcast until 11:30 p.m. on News 14 Carolina and the following Curtis Media Group radio stations:

94.7 WQDR
96 Rock
Y-102.9
La Ley 96.9
680 WPTF
FM Talk 101.1
Country 102.3
620 WDNC
570 WDNZ
730 WFMC
920 WPCM
1150 WGBR
1550 WCLY
Triangle Traffic Network
State Government Radio

For more information on the 2008 N.C. Children's Promise Celebration, or to make a donation, please click here. Thanks for your support of the N.C. Children's Promise!