Baby Rowan’s Fight for Life

Sweet Rowan Lynn Ortega was born October 3rd after a difficult 29-hour labor and emergency c-section. She entered the world non-responsive and had to be resuscitated, then flown to Children’s Mercy in Kansas City for critical care. Rowan is a fighter, but her family faces overwhelming medical, travel, and living expenses as they support her NICU journey.

Rowan’s Story

My name is Savannah Lasley, and I’m raising funds to support my nephew, Jacob Ortega, Kaley, and their precious newborn daughter, Rowan, as they face unexpected medical challenges.

Rowan Lynn Ortega was born on Friday, October 3rd, 2025 (39 weeks, 3 days) at Newman Regional Health in Emporia, KS. After her mom labored for 29 hours, doctors determined an emergency c-section was necessary.

Baby Rowan entered this world in the hardest way imaginable. She was born non-responsive, and it took more than five minutes for the medical team to resuscitate her. Shortly after, she was flown by helicopter to Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City.

Her Fight

At CMH, Rowan underwent therapeutic hypothermia—a 72-hour “cooling” treatment used to reduce brain injury caused by lack of oxygen during birth. Her body temperature was lowered to 92°F while she was closely monitored on EEG for seizures, which are common in this situation. Miraculously, she had none.

During cooling, Rowan could not be held and received only IV nutrition. On Monday night, she was slowly rewarmed over six hours—a critical period when the risk of seizures is even higher. Again, she had none.

On Tuesday night, Rowan underwent an MRI to check for structural brain damage. None was visible. While it is still too soon to know about long-term effects, her doctor is very optimistic, saying, “This one may well never have any issues.” She will, however, need close monitoring with many trips back to CMH over the next two years.

The Road Ahead

Rowan remains in the NICU. She must consistently eat and maintain weight for at least two days before going home. She is already proving herself to be a strong little fighter, and we are so grateful for the incredible care she’s receiving at Children’s Mercy.

How You Can Help

This journey comes with tremendous emotional and financial strain: medical costs, unpaid time off work for Jacob, travel expenses for a hospital over 100 miles away, and the ongoing needs of caring for a newborn in the NICU.

Your kindness— whether through donations, shares, or prayers—means the world to this little family as they focus on getting Baby Rowan home where she belongs.