Help Soteropoulos Family after loss of Baby Nola
Follow Baby Nolas NICU Journey
As of January 26th, 2022 -
It has been decided that Baby Nola will be transferring from Advent Health, Orlando Florida to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. She has been accepted into their BPD clinic to receive special, individualized treatment for her BPD Broncopulmonary Dysplasia)/Chronic Lung Disease.
When this happens, Nola’a mother, Cathy will be flying to Philadelphia to stay beside Baby Nola while she is there. She will hopefully transfer to the Ronald McDonald House of Philadelphia. For the duration of their stay, Nola’s father, Kevin, will continue to stay in Melbourne. Florida, working and continuing to be the glue of the family in order to keep a roof over their heads at home in Florida. Cathy and Kevin are a two income family strictly living off one income and donations. This will be an extremely hard time with Cathy having to continue their NICU journey, states away and separated from family.
Nola’s NICU Journey has turned into a long winded stay that was never expected. Cathy has been out of work since August and It’s become extremely difficult on the family, mentally, physically, and financially - And unfortunately, there seems to be no end in sight. It’s a challenging time for their family and any and all donations, love and support is greatly appreciated, for it will help their family more than you know.
On Monday September 27th, baby Nola made her way into the world through an emergency C-section at 27 weeks gestation. Her mother Cathy, spent 18 days in the hospital fighting severe preeclampsia. Ultimately, after 18 days Cathy’s platelets dangerously dropped and she went into HELLP Syndrome. At that time, it became safer for Nola to be on the outside rather than the inside. Brought into this world and immediately intubated, Nola remains in the NICU at the Florida Advent Hospital in Orlando Florida. Nola is being cared for by the best Neonatologists in Central Florida. She is stable - However, babies born at 27 weeks still require a lot of medical care and can be expected to stay in the NICU for a long period of time. These babies remain at a higher risk than full term babies for newborn health problems including breathing and feeding problems, neurological issues, blindness, deafness and cerebral palsy. So there is a lot playing against little Baby Nola.
During this long NICU stay, Nola’s mother Cathy will continue to be out of work and away from her husband in Melbourne while she stays at the Ronald McDonald House across from the hospital. Her husband, Kevin continues to work 6 days a week to keep things afloat at home - 70 miles away. Only able to make a trip to Orlando once a week. All donations will go towards monthly bills that need to be paid during this difficult time.
Coming into this world at only 1lb 6oz and only 10 inches long, Nola has proven to be quite the feisty little thing and is consistently surprising doctors. It is for certain that her story will be an inspiration to all mothers facing similar situations with babies born at such an early gestation. Nola will be the prime example of “TINY BUT MIGHTY”.
Follow along in Nola’s NICU journey as she continues to grow and develop, beating all odds along with her family as they embark on this emotional roller coaster. All the prayers, love, positivity and support are greatly needed during this difficult time.
