Five months into pregnancy, high school sweethearts Scott and Shannon were told that, best case scenario, their baby had a 14% chance of survival.  The doctors expected them to terminate the pregnancy.  

In late August (at 28 weeks), Shannon was admitted to the hospital for supervision and weeks later on October 1st (two months before his due date), Wayne Howard Dreier entered the world.  He was named after his two grandfathers.  Wayne’s first months were filled with multiple health problems and near-death experiences.  For the first 40 days of his life, Wayne’s parents were unable to hold their precious baby boy.  After 62 days in the Kaiser NICU, Wayne was transferred to UCSF for treatment of his pulmonary hypertension and underdeveloped lungs.  The experts at UCSF transformed Wayne’s care for the better, but he was still on life support.  After multiple attempts at extubation, Scott and Shannon decided to move forward with a tracheostomy.  Wayne has continued to beat the odds and is now tentatively scheduled to be released from the hospital at the beginning of June.

As there is always a risk that Wayne’s trach will pop out or become plugged, he will need around-the-clock supervision. As a result, Shannon will not be able to return to work. Instead, Wayne’s at-home nursery will require special equipment and Scott and Shannon will be required to purchase additional medical supplies that aren’t covered by insurance. Furthermore, they need to renovate parts of their home to meet Wayne's medical needs and keep him healthy.   All these expenses come after having paid their maximum out-of-pocket insurance deductible two years in a row. 

There are many challenges ahead for this small family, but we know that with their faith, Wayne’s fighting spirit, and the support and prayers of all of you, better days are ahead.   After what will be 8 months in the NICU, Scott and Shannon are going to bring their baby home!

www.WelcomeHomeWayne.com for photos and more information on the family's journey.