After suffering a devastating loss, miracle baby, Sophie Valenzuela,  was born on July 25th, 2019. 

Her mom Sarah Valenzuela is one of our beloved perioperative nurses.  She experienced complications requiring bedrest for the majority of her pregnancy, but, baby Sophie was a fighter and was delivered full term. 

During pregnancy Sophie was noted to have a curve in her IVC (inferior vena cava).  The doctors were unsure of the significance of this but wanted a follow up echocardiogram (images of the heart) after she was born.  Shortly after delivery Sophie had an ultrasound of her heart that still showed the curved IVC.  The cardiologist was concerned it could mean the abdominal contents were herniated, or pushing up, on the heart.  An abdominal ultrasound was done and then a CT scan which all confirmed Sophie had a congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) on the right side.  Her liver and kidney were in her chest cavity compressing the right lung.   Sophie was sent to the NICU and multiple specialists weighed in on her care.  Baby Sophie was in need of urgent surgical intervention.

Sophie went for surgery on August 8th, 2019, weighing only a little over 5 pounds.  Her recovery will be complex, including nutrition through a central line, prolonged intubation and ventilation and careful monitoring of the pressures in her lungs and heart.  We are very optimistic about this beautiful baby.

Due to Sarah having to remain on bedrest she quickly used her PTO and short term disability.  Now she is fighting for her beautiful baby. We live in Sierra Vista, AZ about 1 1/2 hours from where her baby will be cared for in the NICU.
 
We want to help Sarah as much as possible during this time so all of her energy can go into caring for Sophie.   Not only does she have unexpected medical bills but all of the time away from work will be a strain for other household expenses.  Anyone who knows Sarah knows she is the first to support all of us, throwing countless baby showers for so many of us despite her struggles to start her own family.

Please help our wonderful friend and colleague.  Baby Sophie was meant to be in this world, we are all fighting and praying for her, but most of all she needs her momma by her side.  Let’s make that happen.

much love and many thanks