The Story of Baby Brynley

                                 The Story of Baby Brynley
 

     In November 2017, I was visiting my children and was given a small gift bag and inside was a pacifier....My baby, Carley, is having a baby !!!!!!!! The excitement that Carley and George showed just filled the room. Their first baby, this was the best day of their lives. Carley's pregnancy had been just like any others......Morning Sickness !!!!!  On March 10, 2018 the gender was revealed....It's a GIRL.....after careful consideration Carley and George would name her Brynley Louise Speed and the due date for her would be July 29, 2018.

     Carley went for a normal prenatal check up on March 19, 2018 and at this time an ultrasound was performed.  After being confirmed by the radiologist, Carley and George received some devastating news that NO parent ever wants to hear. Baby Brynley has been diagnosed with HLHS....hyperplastic left heart syndrome. This means that her left side of her heart is not developing or growing. The mitral valve, left ventricle, aortic valve and the aortic arch are all too small. The left side of the heart cannot effectively pump blood to the body so the right side of the heart must pump blood to the lungs and to the rest of the body, 2 of the 4 chambers are not developing.

     Carley was then referred to UMC in Jackson, MS in May at which time she was introduced to a Fetal Specialist, Neonatal Cardiologist and Surgeon and other specialty teams that would care for not only Baby Brynley but Carley as well.  The doctors asked Carley and George to move to Jackson before her delivery to be near the hospital and specialists, so in June they moved from just outside of Hattiesburg to Jackson.

     The plan for Baby Brynley is depending on how stable she is to give Carley and George a few minutes to bond with their daughter. Then she will be taken to Neonatal Cardiac ICU and put in an IV line through the umbilical cord to supply a medicine to keep her from becoming very sick and the blood to continue pumping for her.  When the doctors feel that she is strong enough she will be taken back for her first heart surgeries...called Norwood Procedure.  This surgery will last all day and she will return to Neonatal Cardiac ICU for about 2-3 weeks depending on her progress.  As she progresses the lines and tubes will come out and she will eventually be moved to a room where Carley and George will be taught how to care for her when she goes home.  The second surgery, Glen Procedure, will be between 4-6 months and the 3rd surgery, Fontan procedure, around 3-5 years old.

     Carley and George are fortunate to have health insurance but they are finding out every day that their other expenses are becoming overwhelming.  Financial concerns are beginning to consume these two.  Once Baby Brynley is discharged the doctors have told them that she will have to be closely monitored and scheduled checkups in Jackson will be weekly.  They live right outside Hattiesburg and the trip is almost 2 hours one way.  George has taken a leave from work to be by Carley's side and is unable to return to work until Baby Brynley is home.

     As a mother we are supposed to be able to fix our children's fears and problems in every situation but this is one thing that this mom cannot fix for my child Carley and Baby Brynley.  It is truly heartbreaking.  My family is strong and we will climb this mountain together side by side as one....We must always remember that we are not alone thru this trial.....God will be holding our hand thru it all.

     Please help Carley and George on their long journey. To provide some relief from the stress financially while George is away from work and both from their home.  Money raised will be used to pay for food, transportation to and from hospital and their monthly bills.

     Baby Brynley is a little warrior that is teaching us the true meaning of real strength.  God bless this little miracle, may everyday make her stronger and healthier.  We will all stand on faith and trust in God's promises.  Thank each and every one of you in advance…..