Dear Friends,
Mothers always know when there’s something wrong with their child.
That’s how I knew my daughter, Emma, wasn’t well, even though all she’d had for a few days was a minor cough. The day she became really ill, she was so lethargic. Then she went blue around the lips. Emma is autistic. She doesn’t write, draw or speak. So she couldn’t tell me what was wrong.
I called my cousin, an Emergency Medical Responder. I’ll always remember her words … “Hang up now and call 911”
When the paramedics got to us, Emma’s oxygen was at 55%. She was taken to hospital here in Harbour Breton, then transferred to Grand Falls-Windsor, where she was put on a ventilator.
Then through heavy rain and serious winds, they rushed her to Gander and then by air ambulance to the Janeway. I remember it was November 13th when Emma was admitted. She didn’t leave until March 28th the next year.
I remember how hard it was on Emma to spend Christmas in the hospital, despite all the kindness and care the staff showed. And I remember how hard it was on my boys, too, missing us at Christmas.
As the holidays approach, I’m thinking about all those children who will be in hospital over the holidays. I’m also thinking of their families.
Will you please consider making a special donation to the Janeway during this season of giving?
Emma was diagnosed with mycoplasma pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Part of her left lung had collapsed. It wasn’t just a cough.
There were so many terrifying moments in the weeks that followed. I didn’t sleep for days on end … probably longer.
For six weeks, we felt like we were on a rollercoaster. There were days when Emma’s oxygen level was dangerously low. Days when I really thought we would lose her.
And the worst day of all — when we heard a code blue over the intercom, and realized it was for our daughter. The strangest thing, though. As we ran to her, the code blue team was running to her, too. And even in that situation, there was something about that amazing, deeply devoted medical team that just made me feel calmer. It’s hard to explain, but with them around us, I somehow knew she was going to be okay.
“Don’t worry mom — we’ll look after our girl.”
Those were the words the nurse said to me, when she sent me off to sleep on Christmas Eve. And that’s exactly what they did.
When you’re there with them every day, the staff at the hospital become your family. They took such loving care of Emma, providing amazing medical care and many little things — like doing her nails, her hair, making her feel like the beautiful girl she is. And that’s the magic of the Janeway. Every single person there will treat your child like their own.
Supporters like you are a key part of this care. You help fund essential medical equipment like the ventilator and respirator that kept our daughter alive. I can’t find enough words to say thank you.
With your donation today, you will help the hospital purchase a Bunnell JetVentilator. This lifesaving piece of equipment is designed to provide gentle ventilation forinfants and young children who are struggling to breathe on their own. The cost for one is $130,000. Every gift — no matter the size — will help.
Most of all, you will be providing parents like me with the most valuable thing possible: hope. The hope that keeps you going in the darkest nights.
Miracles do happen. I know this, because our daughter Emma is one of them. But they require the help of incredible people like you.
With deep appreciation,
Rachelle Vallis, grateful Janeway mom