Good Morning

Hi, my name is Noah Abner Clark. During my 20-week ultrasound, I was diagnosed with a severe right-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Essentially, my diaphragm failed to fully form, and thus, many of my abdominal organs (namely my liver), herniated into my chest which in turn inhibited the growth of my emergent lungs. The average survival-rate for babies specifically like me is around 50%--a proverbial coin toss. My mom and dad thought that perhaps in-utero surgery would be best, but they ultimately decided that for my case, surgery after my birth would give me even a better chance to survive.

In order to find the finest care, my parents consulted with or actually visited many far-away places, including San Francisco, Houston, Cincinnati, Philadelphia, Denver, Baltimore, and Seattle. Ultimately, however, we decided to travel 3500 miles from home so that I could be born and live at Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital in sunny St. Petersburg FL. My doctor is Dr. David Kays and my nurse is Joy Perkins. You should pray for them.

My road will be long, one potentially wrought with many setbacks and "close-calls." I'll do my best, but I would appreciate some much-needed help. So if you would, pray for me. And if I don't make it, still know that it is "well with my soul."

Sincerely, your pal,
Noah

P.S. You can learn more about what I'll be experiencing if you watch "Adam's Story"--a video my folks found while surfing the web. Right-click HERE.
P.S.S. Check back regularly to see my blog updates.

Friday, October 21, 2016

Good Morning

"Good Day!" to all of my friends. How was your day today. Mine was great. I got to be alive all day today, so that's a good thing I suppose. It started fantastic because my dad got to deliver me! I'm glad he can catch. However, after the first 10 seconds of being born, things went down hill pretty fast. First, I couldn't breath. Then, I was surrounded by these weird creatures with blue hats and blue faces--lots of them. Can you say 'aliens.' I think so. And then, one of the blue people stuck a tube down my throat, and then a second one into my tummy. And then, a different blue person drove two more tubes into my belly button. I was getting a little irritated until my mom told me that the blue people are actually trying to help me. Hmmm? I have to say that I liked my mom's tummy better than the blue people. In the end, I lived my first day, so I can't complain. I had one close call, but was able to pull out of it.

5 comments:

Becky Watson said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; October 21, 2016 at 6:05 AM
Becky Watson said...: Praise God!! So glad to hear this great news. Congratulations on a beautiful baby boy. God is with you today as you journey each hour together.; October 21, 2016 at 6:07 AM
Anonymous said...: The wee darling! Thinking of you all. D x; October 21, 2016 at 7:10 AM
Kyleen said...: Congratulations and a very, very warm welcome Baby Noah!; October 21, 2016 at 7:33 AM
Stephen & Mildred Broadwell said...: What a blessing. I can't tell you how many prayers we offered up yesterday for Noah and the family. We'll keep at it until you tell us that he's out of the woods.

-Stephen & Mildred; October 21, 2016 at 7:42 AM