When I first met Jenee I never imagined that in the short amount of time that we would know each other, I would develop such a strong bond with her. I get eyelash extensions done and I was referred to her from a friend. My expectation was that I was just going to be going to her for eyelash appointments, nothing more and nothing less. But those appointments quickly turned into a friendship.
Through stories and encounters that I had with Jenee, I found out that she had a wonderful husband and I knew that their love was one of a kind.
The love in their house grew as they learned they would be expecting a baby girl in August! It just so happened that I am a labor and delivery nurse, and during our appointments, Jenee and I would talk about her pregnancy and the excitement of having her very first baby. Little did we know that their journey of growing their family was not going to go as they hoped and planned.
On April 21st Jenee’s water broke, at 22 weeks and 2 days. Jenee was sent home and told to come back that following Monday because her baby was not viable until 23 weeks. They informed her that if she were to deliver now they would set her baby on her chest until she passed away. Two days later Jenee headed back into the hospital with contractions. Thankfully this is when Jenee and Will met Dr. Bork and he would be the one that gave them a fighting chance. He decided to keep her in the hospital and this would begin her 16 day PPROM journey. Over the next two weeks Jenee lived in the hospital on bed rest in hopes of continuing on with her pregnancy for as long as possible. She was given 2 rounds of steroids, 2 rounds of antibiotics, and 3 rounds of magnesium sulfate.
On May 6th at 2:28am their lives were changed as a beautiful baby girl Jordyn made her entrance into the world weighing 1 lb 7 oz and I had the pleasure of being by both their sides and holding Jenee’s hand while she pushed and delivered her beautiful baby girl.
This was the beginning of their NICU journey.
Jordyns intestines perforated May 20th and she was transferred to U of M Ann Arbor to undergo an abdominal surgery. A Penrose drain was placed in her abdomen and 10 days later, the drain was clogged with her intestines which led to another surgery by the bedside.
On June 8th she had heart surgery and received a piccolo stint.
On June 24th she was taken off of the ET tube and switch to NIV NAVA.
On July 2nd Jordyn was transferred back to Hurley where she will hopefully remain for the duration of her growth and recovery.
Jordyn has overcome many obstacles during her incredible short 9 weeks of life which is contributed by Jenee and Will working so hard to be by her side providing advocacy and love. But during this time they have faced their own obstacles which has lead them to some financial hardship and Jordyn has an unknown road ahead of her until she can come home.
Although Will and Jenee have health insurance they are responsible for a large deductible and continue to take days off with no pay to be present for Jordyn. Understanding that everyone has been facing their own version of hardship over the past year, please do not feel pressure to contribute. If you don’t have anything to donate I just ask that you take the time to continue to keep their sweet family in your prayers and feel free to reach out with encouraging words and/or experiences of your own!
