Elliott’s Journey

On July 22nd, 2018 at 2:20pm Sarah and Brent welcomed their miracle into this world via emergency c-section. Weighing less than 1000 grams, Elliott Cameron Cuypers began his journey 10 weeks earlier than expected. Elliott spent weeks attached to monitors, a feeding tube, IV medication and hydration, and CPAP to help him breathe. Sarah and Brent spent weeks driving to and from Mount Sinai, each day having to leave their little boy behind. Unable to enjoy the miracle of having their first child, they were stuck in fight-or-flight, taking it day by day. When Elliott was transferred from Mount Sinai's NICU to a level 2 NICU closer to home, it seemed there was a light at the end of the tunnel. Elliott was gaining weight, slowly but surely, and was able to breathe on his own. On September 14th, after 8 weeks in the NICU,  Elliott was well enough to come home. It seemed as though their lives would be able to start again, their family was whole and they were able to create a routine and have normalcy.

As some may know, preemies are at risk of developing complications and illnesses due to their underdeveloped organs and immune system. Although Elliott was home, he was not thriving as expected and it was discovered that little E has an inguinal hernia. An inguinal hernia is when there is a weakened area of the abdominal wall causing part of the bowel to bulge through this weakened spot. This hernia has Elliott in a significant amount of pain, as you can imagine, leading to many other concerns, such as him not eating, vomiting, unconsolable crying, and a potential risk of decreased blood flow in the area.  Concerns over this medical condition have lead doctors to admit Elliott once again to the hospital for close observation. This means, Elliott is having supplemental nutrition through a feeding tube, endless diagnostic tests, and a scheduled surgery for later this month. Elliott has spent the majority of his short life in hospital with his parents by his side. 

Aside from the obviously heart wrenching physical discomfort this has caused Elliott, his wonderful parents are suffering the toll.  Emotionally, they try to stay strong, while their hearts are breaking. They push through each day and take everything as it comes. Brent has had to take weeks off of work to care for his family. The lost wages and other healthcare costs are adding unnecessary stress.  Brent and Sarah have had many ups and downs in their life together, including a battle with cancer. They have stayed strong for themselves and their families. They are the most loving, caring, genuine people I know. Elliott was the beginning of creating their own family. They fought for him from the start and although he is four months old now, they continue to fight. Anyone that knows Brent and Sarah know that they are the first to help others, they are humble and private people who don't often ask for help. I am asking those who can, to help Brent & Sarah lessen the load that they are carrying.