Elsie Maeve our CDH Warrior
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We think it’s time to share what our little girl had to endure at the beginning of her life and the strength she has. Elsie Maeve Martinez, our miracle baby was born November 1st 2023 at 6lb 8oz. At 26 weeks pregnant our daughter was diagnosed with Cogenital diaphramic hernia(CDH). Basically what this means is the diaphragm has a hole that allows organs to migrate into the chest. When this happens, it doesn’t leave room for the lungs to grow to their full extent prior to birth making it hard to breathe. At first we were told she only had a 35% chance of survival. This news was devastating, our hearts were torn and our world shifted. We decided we wanted to give our baby girl the chance to fight, a chance to live and we would do anything to make that possible. We went for a second opinion at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago and met Dr. Shaaban & his team, this group of specialists gave our family hope. They explained her needs after delivery and that our Elsie would actually have a 90% chance of survival at birth. Now each CDH baby is different and it all depended on her capability to survive surgery. This would need to be performed 2-3 days after birth.
Once she was born she was immediately intubated. After her first night she was put on ECMO. 2 days into ECMO she went into surgery for her repair. Her surgery was successful. God worked through her surgeons hands and helped her make it through. Through her healing process there has been many ups and downs and battles along the way. Elsie is a little warrior and a force to be reckoned with. She not only fought for her own life but also saved her mom in the process. Without Elsie’s diagnosis and the need to prepare for her arrival her mom would have never known about a tumor she had growing. Both Elsie & mom have fought for each other and are both in their healing journey today.
Elsie has been in the NICU since birth. She is now 4 months and still pushing through. She will continue her stay in the NICU until her lungs grow and gain the strength to support her oxygen needs. We're praying she can make a full recovery with time and soon be able to keep up with her big brother Ethan. We are all so proud of her and as Ethan says “baby sister” will be home soon. Elsie’s already his hero saving his Mom.
We come to you all with our story in hopes that some may find it in their hearts to help with Elsie’s medical needs. We ask to please be respectful to our family during this time, only positive vibes is what Elsie needs. Thank you all!
Organizer
Xenia Martinez
Organizer
Hoffman Estates, IL