Please support Ken, Emélie and Mélodie

Emélie and Ken Carswell became parents for the first time under anything, but “normal” circumstances on May 9th at 1:07 am. Believing they may be having a miscarriage, it turned out Emélie was in active labor and giving birth. The baby was fully breach (both feet first), which is extremely dangerous for Mom & baby. Something Midland Hospital is not equipped to handle.

 

Baby Mélodie was born with no vitals (not breathing and no heartbeat). With the assistance of specialized ORNG paramedics, they were able to revive Mélodie after 15 seconds of having no vitals. Mélodie was born at 26 weeks 5 days at 2.6 lbs and 38 cm in length.

 

Due to the extreme severity of the birth, Mélodie was born with a moderate brain bleed causing permanent damage. Due to the fact she is so tiny and still developing, she will remain at Sunnybrook Hospital for 3 - 4 months. Ken and Emélie will be by her side for the duration of her journey. Their commitment to their daughter will come as a steep financial obstacle where they could really use our help and support.

 

❤️ ❤️ ❤️

 

Mélodie’s Birth Story:

 

On Mother’s Day (May 8th), Emélie started experiencing intense cramping and minor spotting that gradually increased and became a significant concern because she was only 26.5 weeks pregnant. Shortly after 10 pm, Emélie arrived at Georgian Bay General Hospital to check on her and her baby's well-being.

 

After an ultrasound, it was determined the baby looked healthy and active. Emélie’s midwife checked her for dilation and decided she was 7 cm dilated. Em then realized she was not experiencing Brackston Hicks, but it was actual contractions, and she was giving birth.

 

The ultrasound showed the baby fully breached (feet first), which is extremely dangerous for both mother and baby. Em was fully dilated, and the baby was coming; there was no time for a c-section or anything. The doctor tried to delay the contractions to enable a transfer by helicopter to Mount Sinai for the birth. However, all their efforts were unsuccessful.

 

They moved Emélie into a birthing room. A specialist team of paramedics from ORNG and a specialist team from Sick Kids rushed up from Toronto. In 20 minutes, Em gave birth to a beautiful 2 pounds 6 ounces baby girl. Thankfully the ORNG team arrived by helicopter just as baby Mélodie was born with no vitals. The respiratory therapist was incredible and could revive Mélodie after 15 seconds. The team from ORNG kept Mélodie stable until the team from Sick Kids arrived and transferred Mélodie to Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto, where she is expected to stay for 3 to 4 months.

 

Mélodie did suffer a moderate brain bleed, causing irreversible, permanent damage. The severity of the injury will not be known for at least 6 to 8 weeks as her brain heals and develops. Emélie and Ken are very devoted and strong parents and will be by Mélodie’s side in Toronto for the duration of her journey. They have recently left the hospital to go home and quarantine after testing positive for Covid but will be back by Mélodie’s side as soon as possible.

 

❤️ ❤️ ❤️

 

Mélodie’s journey will be scary, stressful, costly and full of ups and downs. Parking, fuel, food, and accommodations will be their most significant expenses over the next few months, as well as physiotherapy and other medical costs in the future when Mélodie can come home.

 

As the saying goes, “it takes a village to raise a child.” Can you help be their village by supporting our little warrior Mélodie Carswell to be the best she can be by assisting Emélie and Ken?

 

Side note: Anything you can and are willing to donate will be greatly appreciated and go a long way to help Emélie, Ken, and baby Mélodie. You will also receive a receipt you can claim on your income taxes for a donation of $20.00 or greater.

 

Thank you all for the love and support; it means the world to Emélie and Ken!

 

Thank you ♥