We hope to see you at 2:00pm EST on Sunday, March 5th for our monthly support group. We are pleased to host three O dads, all of whom are excited to share their personal journey with their O baby and answer your questions. This March support group is dedicated to the men in our O Warriors' lives and is designed with dads, grandfathers and other male caregivers in mind. Discussion will cover all things O, including initial diagnosis, their partner's pregnancy, NICU stay, repair, and life now. As always, everyone from the omphalocele community is welcome and you are all an important part of our group!
Panelists:
Alejandro Hinojosa
Alejandro is a 24 year old Active Duty Marine Sgt and the father to Nico, who was diagnosed with an omphalocele at his wife’s 20 week anatomy scan. Nico and his parents were attached to the NICU abord Naval Hospital Balboa in San Diego, CA for nearly 2 months until their release. Despite being told about a very strong possibility of not hearing a heartbeat at every appointment, Nico is now communicating with his parents as well as making animal noises, and he smiles every chance he can.
Russell Bowers
When Russ heard the omphalocele diagnosis, instantly he had many questions. He had never heard that word before! He wanted to know – are we going to be okay? Understanding that medical internet searches can be limited on their optimism, he based a lot of his worry and concern-level on how his wife was processing the news. No doubt, there were many sleepless nights… which drove him to rely on his faith. In hindsight, he remembers feeling like everything was going to be okay… and many years later, it’s been a journey he would not trade for anything. In a lot of respects, it’s defined him and his family. Russ is passionate about sharing the message of hope regarding omphaloceles, and how miracles can happen. He’s always eager to share the story of his youngest, Ella, and her journey as an #owarrior. Russ works in medical sales, with an undergrad in business marketing from the University of Utah, and an MBA from Utah State University. Russ loves being with his family, running 1/2 marathons, serving in his local Boy Scout troop and cheering on the Utes!
Darcy Peltier
Darcy Peltier is an ex-bullrider/Construction Forman now located in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada. He is also a dad to two beautiful little girls, Olivia and O warrior Hazel. Darcy and his partner Lauren's daughter Hazel was born with a small isolated Omphalacele, was delivered in Toronto, and treated at Sick Kids Hospital. After a relatively short hospital stay and few complications, Hazel is now a thriving two year old and the perfect addition to their wild family.
