Addy's Adventure

Addison Clark Kocel's journey began on May 29th, 2018. Shortly after she was born, she was admitted to the NICU at Community Hospital and required oxygen. After 8 days of wondering why she was having difficulty breathing, she was transported to Advocate Children's Hospital in Oak Lawn. Within 24 hours, Addy was diagnosed with a rare heart defect and required emergency open heart surgery. This was a shock to Mom, Holly and Dad, Matt. They couldn't image their baby girl going through such a major surgery. Their little warrior made it through and recovery began. After three attempted extubations, the doctors discovered damage to her diaphragm. In order to combat that, Addy required another surgery. At 7 weeks old, she was finally ready to come home! Holly and Matt were over the moon! They had to learn how to manage her oxygen and administer 10 different types of medications through an NG feeding tube. Addy had little to no time to learn how to suck and swallow, so all of her medications and feedings have to go through her feeding tube. During the first couple of weeks at home, her breathing became faster and faster. Another hospital visit determined scar tissue had formed at the repair site and required a second open heart surgery. Her parents were devastated as their little girl would have to go through another traumatic event and hospital stay. Thankfully Addy was a couple months older, bigger, and stronger, that the surgery went well without any complications. She is on the road to recovery! Addison Clark has so much love and support from family and friends. The family is thankful for the Ronald McDonald House for allowing a stress-free living, home away from home. Due to the the tremendous amount of support, the family is able to share her adventure with you. As the amount of costs for her journey accumulate, I wholeheartedly reach out and ask for help to support an amazing family in time of need. I thank each and every one of you for taking the time to read Addy's story and helping in any way possible.