We hope to see you at 2:00pm EST on Sunday, February 5th for our monthly support group. We are excited to host three O moms, all of whom are excited to share their personal journey with their O baby and answer your questions. Discussion will cover all things O, including initial diagnosis, pregnancy, NICU stay, repair, and "life after the O." As always, everyone from the omphalocele community is welcome (parents of new O babies, experienced parents with older O children, pregnant mothers or expectant family members, grandparents, friends, adult omphalocele survivors) and you are all an important part of our group!
Panelists:
Lauren Molloy
Lauren is an American Sign Language-English Interpreter from Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada. At her routine 20 week anatomy scan, an ultrasound technician saw that her daughter had an abdominal wall defect later diagnosed to be a small, isolated omphalacele. Lauren, her partner Darcy, and their then 18 month old daughter relocated back to Toronto, Ontario in order to access the medical care they needed and to be closer to family. After a successful vaginal delivery, "genetic wonder" and surprise-red-head Hazel spent 12 days in hospital and has been a force of nature and a pure delight ever since.
Kanisha Weeks
Kanisha is 28 years old and mother to Kamira, who was diagnosed with her omphalocele at Kanisha's 20 week anatomy scan. Kamira's care immediately got transferred to the children's hospital (University of Iowa Stead Family) about 30 minutes away from where they live. Once MFM confirmed the diagnosis, Kanisha underwent an amniocentesis and Kamira's results came back normal. Kanisha delivered at 39 weeks via C-section. Kamira turned 1 year old in November 2022. She is primarily fed by g-tube but overall Kamira is doing amazing. She will eventually have her final closure surgery around 2-3 years old.
Nicole Yanke
Nicole is a mother to 4 wonderful children. Bentley is the youngest son and was born with an omphalocele. His diagnosis was made at 12 weeks gestation during a routine and unrelated ultrasound. A number of adverse outcomes and health concerns were expected by the doctors, including lungs with only 30 percent capacity; however, this little man DID NOT get the memo and was born screaming, never requiring oxygen support. After 3 months of waiting for adequate skin coverage, his final closure was performed. Despite some scary moments recovering from the closure surgery in the NICU, he was able to pull through with incredible strength. Through the years he has had to deal with some other minor medical hiccups, such as two hernias and problems with muscles in his feet, but nothing has kept him down for long. He is now 12, plays sports, plays the trumpet, and has the best sense of humor you will experience. Bentley is an honor student at school as well as a peer support leader. We are blessed every day with him in our lives.
