Built “Ford”Tough

Ashley and Adam’s world was flipped upside down when their feisty Ford Ames came rushing into this crazy world on Friday, April 30, 2021 at 28 weeks gestation at 12:16pm weighing 1lb 15oz & 15 inches long.

Their angels above were really looking out for them that morning and somehow managed to get all the right people and resources in place to help Ford have a fighting chance at life. He was delivered at a hospital without a NICU team to help, however Jersey Shore Medical Center(JSMC) Neonatology team was called and arrived at just the right time.

Ashley is a NICU nurse at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and they were able to transfer Ford so all her work friends could care for him. He has been spoiled and loved since his arrival. Ford has done a great job at packing on the pounds and at a little over 7 weeks he weighs over 5 lbs! Ford’s struggle has been getting his breathing tube removed. After 2 failed attempts of removal he will be transferring next door to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and will go to the OR on Tuesday 6/22 for bronchoscopy. It will be approximately an hour procedure and will hopefully give answers to what is going on in his airway. Depending on what they find he will stay there to be followed closer by ENT or return back to HUP. Prayers & good vibes for a smooth transfer, a quick & easy procedure and answers to help guide Ford’s care plan.

Ashley and Adam have been through so much in the last 7 weeks. They have been juggling their other son Theo who is now 15 months old, and visiting Ford pretty much daily, along with the emotional toll of being NICU parents. We would like to try to ease some of the financial burden this can cause so they can fully focus on Fords recovery. Ashley has been out of work and will need more time off work once Ford is able to come home. Adam has been juggling work with visits and being a toddler dad. We don’t know what the future hold for Ford yet but are hopeful for good news.