Cora, Amy & Matti Hixson's Journey
So hey, my name is Kris and there's this girl Amy who is the first friend I ever had that showed me how awesome a real, true, nonjudgemental friend could be. If you know Amy Bernadette at all, you know she is one of the kindest, most genuine people you will ever meet, and a true joy to be around.
Amy had an incredibly difficult pregnancy with a few scares, and was hospitalized at 21 weeks pregnant for preterm labor. Dilated to 4cm, she was rushed from a routine OB appointment to her delivery hospital, then by ambulance to Norfolk General for an emergency cerclage to stitch her cervix shut. Due to further complications, she was not a candidate for cerclage. She stayed at Norfolk Gen for over two weeks on bedrest, in and out of preterm labor and on tons of medications to stop contractions and steroids to help baby develop faster.
Her water broke on 5/4 and about 24 hours later, the contractions were too strong to be stopped with medication. Amy’s doctor examined her and said “it’s time to go. You’re fully dilated.”
Cora Louise Hixson joined the world on May 5th at 11:37pm. Moments shy of 23 weeks and 3 days, she weighed 1lb 3oz and every ounce of that is full of fiery fight, just like it needs to be to overcome the obstacles that are in front of her.
Cora has a long journey ahead of her at CHKD’s NICU and as many of us know, medical expenses can be incredibly daunting. This is especially true of long term critical and specialized care. She is expected to stay at very least until her original due date, which is August 30. That’s the estimate for an uncomplicated stay. Complications could lengthen that estimate.
Amy currently spends every day with Cora caring for her in every way she is allowed, participating in daily medical rounds with Cora’s large medical team, and advocating for her care. Matti sacrifices precious time with his daughter and fiancé in order to work and try to provide for the family in this time. The expenses will unfortunately quickly swallow them as they are used to being a two income household.
Extremely premature babies, called micropreemies, face many battles, procedures, surgeries, etc. Cora was born on the cusp of what medical professionals consider viable. This is extremely different from situations with preemies that are 28+ weeks. Cora’s organs are severely underdeveloped and need extra help. She absolutely can get there and thrive! But these next months are critical.
Despite this, she is fighting like hell. All of her nurses say she’s feisty and they like it. She needs to be. In her short life she has had brain bleeds, multiple blood transfusions, X-rays, blood draws, medications, PICC line, jet ventilator, feeding tube, and this was just to get her to the point where she is stable. The future road is rocky, but everybody around Cora is beaming with love, pride, and unwavering optimism. Nobody is giving up this fight, especially not Cora. She continues to impress everybody every single day.
Your continued love and encouragement has meant so much to them thus far. I know donations in any amount would mean the world to the Hixson family.
Thank You
-Kris Masterson
