Hi friends,

We want to share some news about our daughter, Blair, who arrived unexpectedly on October 3rd, at just 30 weeks premature. She has been receiving exceptional care at the RVH NICU and has also spent time at Toronto SickKids. We’re grateful to have stayed at the Ronald McDonald Room and later at the RMH during this challenging time. This journey has opened our eyes to the incredible community that supports these facilities through donations and volunteer efforts and we want to make a difference as well.

Blair has reached a significant milestone: she is no longer intubated or on CPAP and started to gain weight! Although she still experiences spells and desaturations, they are mostly self-resolving. The beginning of her journey was difficult; she was rushed to Toronto after suffering a seizure and experiencing blocked intestines.

Thankfully, a catheter was able to relieve some pressure of her bladder, helping to address the swelling in her kidneys that was affecting her intestines (or so they suspect).

We are continuing to monitor her brain bleed, and tests are being conducted to check her kidneys, as she has been retaining fluid in her lower extremities. An ultrasound to follow up on her brain bleed and an eye exam are scheduled due to the risk of oxygen affecting their blood vessels and the potential for vision issues.

Blair is still on a feeding tube after attempting to bottle feed, as she needed some time to recover from that effort, temporarily pausing her breast and bottle feeds.

When we talked to the nurses about the equipment they need most, they mentioned that feeding pumps are a priority. With more babies in the NICU, they find themselves needing this equipment more frequently.

We are incredibly thankful for the medical expertise supporting Blair. In lieu of the food and gift cards you have generously sent, we invite you to help us raise funds for NICU equipment in her name. This initiative will continue until she is discharged, and we will provide updates and proof once we present the donation to the hospital.

Thank you for your unwavering support during this journey. It truly means the world to us.

All proceeds will be going to the RVH foundation to expend the NICU

With love,

Tilla & Matt