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.

Sunday, November 20, 2016

NOV 20, 2016--New and Blue Ride


Good morning and good news to all of my friends!!! Because I've been doing so well, my nurses decided to loan me the hospital's 'new and blue ride.' With it, I can tow my pump tower, my oxygen tank, and even my mom. She follows me wherever I go.

If truth be told, the stroller is not the most stylish: it looks like the progeny of a shopping cart and a lawnmower (yes, babies like me know how to use the word 'progeny.' What do you think we are?). I actually don't mind the look of my new ride. You know why? Because it gets me to where I need to go--which, generally speaking, is back to my bed. All joking aside, and from what I can tell, it looks to be a whole big world out there. I'm looking forward to seeing all of it! I do hope that you can do the same. Please stay in touch, and ride well my friends! Your CDH pal, Noah Abner.

10 comments:

Unknown said...

This is awesome!!! Look how bright eyed and adorable you are Noah! Oh I can not wait to meet you some day!!!

vickielu said...

Great progress little CDH buddy!

Anonymous said...

Donna said... Oh my oh my look at you!!! You are amazing wee man. AMAZING!!! I just plain can't decide which photo is cutest. D x

Unknown said...

Love the black/white photo, Noah! I just want to kiss those little cheeks!

Unknown said...

Noah, you are so INCREDIBLY CUTE! I love that last picture of you. You look like you have just discovered something new about the world that you find fascinating! What a handsome devil you are!
I am so glad to hear that you are working so hard at your feeding and that you are able to get around the hospital a bit. Things are looking up! Remember to keep on top of those clots though. They can be nasty.
Christmas is coming little one. Especially good things happen then!

Still thinking of you everyday.

Connie and Tom

Debi Vinnedge said...

Wow Noah - so you are out and about and exploring the world! Good thing your mom is doing the driving though. Just think, in no time you will probably have your own set of wheels, like one of those baby walkers first, then a tricycle, few more years a bicycle and a lot more years, your own car! Oh the possibilities are endless! Love those big beautiful eyes...and prayers continue for your strength and growth. Love you little guy!

Unknown said...

Hi Noah....love the blue ride....Throw some chrome on those wheels and a horn and you will be the talk of the ward. ;o) So happy you get to get outta your room and take a look around. It's a pretty big world out there. You keep on getting stronger, little buddy.

Thinking about you and praying daily for your continued improvement.
Gentle hugs and kisses, Aunt Snookie & Uncle Grant

Janet said...

Oh Noah - I'm so happy to see you up and around - it will be so exciting to hear about all your many adventures to come. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving week - we all have a lot to be immensely thankful for this year - top of that list is you. Love, Janet xoxo

Sheridan Jones said...

Noah, wow, you're awesome! Thinking about you and your Mom, and so happy to see your progress and hear of your adventures.

Shannon - we miss you and sending you hugs & sunny thoughts. Please send us sunny days from FL. :-)

/sj

Unknown said...

You're new wheels are cool Noah!!!!