Update from Mom and Dad:12/6/24-1/6/25 Cadence Seneca Smith,

our precious little babygirl has unfortunately passed away due to complications. We have so many amazing friends and family who have been so invested in her and her story, so we feel it’s only right to let you all know. We are still processing everything, so we just ask you to please just keep us in your thoughts and prayers

12-6-24: After trying for a year, Gabi and Talon found out they were pregnant with a baby girl in July 2024. In December at a routine Dr appointment and ultrasound news that any mother, let alone a first-time mom, should never have to hear was received. Since the previous appointment the baby had not shown any growth measuring in the 3rd percentile, with low amniotic fluid, and points on the umbilical cord where there were signs of blood not being pumped to the placenta. They were informed that she was considered a high-risk pregnancy and to get to the hospital now. Upon arrival Gabi was admitted to hospital and informed that she would be under frequent monitoring, daily ultrasounds, and she was there until the baby was born which would be prior to original due date of March.

The following morning a high-fidelity ultrasound with a specialized team was completed, showing baby measuring at 21 weeks despite being 24 weeks gestation. Each day she would be getting this high-fidelity ultrasound to watch for the signs and beginning of reverse flow (blood flows backward during the diastolic phase of the cardiac cycle.) This was not an IF this happens it was a WHEN this happens. As soon as the decision of daily monitoring happened the NICU team came in to discuss all option and the process that would take place after birth. Each day was a waiting game of ultrasound review and results. With the constant monitoring the goal was to keep baby in as long as possible and as far into the New Year as possible.

On the morning of Dec 6th 2024, the 4th morning of the high-fidelity ultrasound, 4 days of doing everything the team could to keep baby girl in it was time. At 0950 a beautiful baby girl was delivered by emergency c-section. She came out kicking and screaming! Dad was able to cut the umbilical cord and snap a quick photo before the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit team swooped in to get baby girl stable and settled. Cadence was born 16 weeks premature, weighing 330 grams (11.6 oz), not even one pound.

She is the tiniest little baby you ever did see. The days following delivery have been full of ups and downs. At 9 days old Gabi was finally able to hold her baby for the first time. Cadence spends all but one hour a day, the one hour she is allowed to be held and get skin to skin contact with her parents) in her carestation. She has required multiple blood and platelet transfusions, requires a breathing tube, and spent multiple days on a respiratory oscillator. As long as Cadence keeps progressing, she will remain with the Memorial Hospital Level 3 NICU Team until her original due date of March 2025.

Mom is unable to work as she heals from an emergency c-section and to be exactly where she needs to be, the hospital beside her baby. Dad is back to work and working as much as possible. The necessity of a dual income is imperative but not feasible at this time. Donations will be going directly to the Smith family to assist with groceries, gas to and from the hospital, and any bills that arise during this time. Any donation is greatly appreciated.

Apart from financial support, prayers and notes of encouragement are also appreciated.