Calla Lily’s story
Written by: Jasmine Williams
This is my daughter Calla Lily.
After going to the emergency room for bleeding at 16 weeks pregnant, I was told that abnormalities were found on my ultrasound. At a follow up appointment we found out that she had an omphalocele, this is also when we found out we were having a girl. Her due date was November 12th 2021. On September 12th, I was admitted to the hospital for preterm labor. Despite doctors best efforts to stop it, Calla Lily made her arrival 9 weeks early on September 12th, 2021, 3:45 in the morning at 31 weeks 2 days. She weighed 4lbs 2oz. She had surgery 4 days later on September 16th to repair her omphalocele. The surgery was a success and she was off her ventilator the same day.
A month after her birth she was diagnosed with a genetic condition called Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome. She spent 2 months in the nicu before being transferred to a pediatric rehab hospital where she remains today. She has faced many challenges with her breathing and eating due to her enlarged tongue as a result of her syndrome. She is currently learning how to eat and slowly being weaned off her oxygen.
We look forward to her continuing growth and we can’t wait to finally bring her home.