Weston David Gardiner

On December 12th our lives changed forever. Weston David came into the world screaming at 10:50am, weighing 7pounds 13oz and 21 inches long. He was the most beautiful baby boy we’d ever laid eyes on. Quickly after his birth he began to have breathing issues. He was given oxygen to help but there was no improvement. 24 hours after his birth and round the clock care Craig and I were told that Weston needed to be transferred to a different hospital that was more equipped to take care of his special needs. This was completely earth shattering to us. We had barely gotten to hold our son, his sister had only seen him for 5 minutes, and already our grip on reality was being torn away from us. This was not what we had expected or were even prepared for after waiting to meet our baby for 9 months.The transport team from The Elliot hospital arrived to assess Weston and ultimately had to intubate him to keep his oxygen levels up. He was struggling to breathe on his own because of his lack of surfactant, partially collapsed lungs, and had fluid in his lungs. Shortly after, Weston was transferred to The Elliot Hospital In Manchester NH. He was given surfactant to help his lungs pump oxygen and remove the fluid from his lungs. However, the ventilator that was previously used wasn’t supplying Weston with the oxygen he needed anymore and because of this the doctors had to hand bag (pump) oxygen to our son for the next 5 hours, this was to ensure he was getting enough pressure to sustain his lungs. We were so optimistic and were told “This will help, we guarantee it.” Unfortunately, they were completely wrong. Weston’s condition was diminishing quickly. After a couple of blood tests, an Echo and an X-ray it was determined that Weston has PPHN (Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of a newborn). Not only was he having issues breathing still but now his heart was struggling as well. So once again we were instructed that he needed to be transferred for his third time in 24 hours to Boston Children’s Hospital. Where they could provide better care for him. This had to happen quickly as Weston was now labeled in critical condition. Once we arrived at Boston Children’s Hospital, Weston was put into a medically induced coma so that he wouldn’t fight the new ventilator and that his body and lungs could begin the process of healing. He was immediately started on Nitric Oxide, as well as many other life saving medications. We’ve been at Boston Children’s Hospital now for 4 days now and our journey to recovery has just begun, and with that the cost of supporting his needs rising rapidly. Weston has made so many amazing strides for which we’re completely proud of but we’ve learned quickly in the NICU that with every two steps forward theres one step back. We’re so grateful for our strong little man and we pray he keeps getting better but right now it’s the little things we’ve come to appreciate. For some parents this might be a simple mile stone such as their first smile or first laugh but for Craig and I its less medicine, one less IV, fewer suctions, and even more for the day our son can finally open his eyes and see us looking down at him finally. Craig and I are so thankful for all of our family and friends during this difficult time. The struggle to be close to our son in his time of need has weighed on us immensely and we’re so grateful to be able to turn to you all for help and support.