Sullivan the Strong

For this child we have prayed...and prayed...and prayed.

Sullivan James McArdle entered the world at 24 weeks, 6 days gestation on March 23, 2022 weighing 1lb 4.5 ounces. Sullivan's mom (Amy) had a normal, albeit short, pregnancy up to the point where she was urgently hospitalized with pre-eclampsia, a dangerous pregnancy complication. Pre-eclampsia can lead to serious, even fatal, complications for both mother and baby, so after several days in the hospital, the medical team made the decision to have Sullivan delivered early. Sullivan's parents were caught very off guard to deliver so early since they had only days before announced their pregnancy to the world. However, they were ready to do whatever they needed to do to keep both Amy and Sullivan safe. The Doctor who made the final decision to have Sullivan delivered early said he knew a guardian angel was watching out for them both because if Amy hadn't gone to the hospital when she did the repercussions could have been deadly for them both.

Being born 15 weeks early has come with so many scary complications for Sullivan. His path has not been an easy one. He's faced multiple illnesses, some scary days, some scarier nights, and (so far) one surgery day with multiple procedures. Sullivan has had to fight so hard to grow and has overcome so many obstacles, but he continues to have a long fight ahead of him. Sullivan has a "floppy" airway and chronic lung disease because of the premature development of his lungs, as well as several cases of pneumonia throughout his life. He has undergone a tracheostomy and will have his trach over the next several years. Fortunately, this trach will give him the opportunity to grow and develop and do fun things without having to worry about his airway as much. The hope is with growth and time, we will all get closer to one day getting to leave the hospital and allow his lungs to continue to heal and grow healthy tissue from the comfort of his home.

Sullivan spent over 150 days in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) before he graduated to the PICU (Pediatric Intensive Care Unit). He (and his parents) continue to reside at Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital in Charleston, South Carolina. Sullivan is over 7 months old now but has only known a world within the ICU. Each day comes with it's own challenges, but the beauty of watching sweet Sullivan is one that his parents wouldn't change for anything.

More than anything, the McArdles ask for your prayers. Sullivan is their world, and watching him go through so much has been challenging in ways that cannot be adequately described. Because they do anticipate a much longer hospital stay still to come, any help (in any form) that can be provided would be a welcomed gift to their family. Any funds received from this ongoing fundraiser would go towards the mounting medical bills accruing from their ongoing medical stay and Sullivan's continued medical care once he, one day, is released to go home.

The McArdles cannot thank their amazing friends and family enough for continuing to be their village and seeing them through this incredibly difficult time. They are also so, so thankful for the amazing angels that care for Sullivan at Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital. They have met nurses, doctors, and respiratory therapists who have quickly become new members of their family. Their commitment to keeping Sullivan safe is something for which Amy and John will forever be thankful and indebted.