Preemies
Forward.
Preemies'.
March of Dimes.
Acute Prenatal Toxemia.
Drew as an Ambassador.
USA Children's and Women's Hospital.
Preface
Faerieland is populated in great numbers and ruled over by a king and queen who is dominant. Frequently a Faerie comes out of fairyland to wander the earth. Those who wander the earth, upon hearing the voice of a new born in distress, mingle with man offering assistance and guidance in the care of the new born in distress. Such is the case with preemies, for they are in much need. Those who tend to their care surely have the blessing of the Fairie Queen. Herein contains part of The Key of Compassion.
Preemies
The principal people in our "grand-parents" story are presented below, where we have provided some background information.
Melissa chose to help special children, long before her son was born. In answer to her
commitment, help is provided to her, when need's arise. Those who unselfishly give of their time and talent receive treasure which is heaped in heaven. She has advanced degrees in Special Education,
which through her toil and sacrifice will benefit mankind. Whose child she may help is a question, but of this we are sure: Gladys who is a saint, smiles down and heaps favor upon her
granddaughter.
Drew has developed into a fine two year old. His body weight is near normal, even though he was born pre-mature. In addition, his learning skills have been evaluated as normal and above.
Such a wee little lad! Birth was not kind with a weight of 2 pounds 4 oz, but the love which awaited him would pull him through.
March of Dimes
We grandparents who are referred to as "war babies", remember quite well a little cardboard packet, which had cut outs for inserting dimes. Most of us gave up an extra coke or candy bar, cut lawns, raked leaves, washed windows, did not go to a movie for a month or did anything else in order to fill the March of Dimes packet with dimes, which if filled equaled five dollars. Therefore it is not uncommon for our children to support the organization which was established by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt to put an end to polio. Our little dimes helped in the research led by Dr. Jonas Salk , which led to the announcement in April, 1955 that the Salk polio vaccine was "safe, potent and effective."
Children in the Mobile area have been helping future generations with their efforts to support the March of Dimes on a continuing basis since those early years. In fact our children saved their pennies and nickels in order to preserve and provide a permanent home for the U. S. S. Alabama on the Causeway, near Mobile, Alabama. So you see, when children help children - no greater love can be shown. If we adults could learn from our children how to save and help others, we just might be better parents.
Acute Prenatal Toxemia
The Lancaster's had four children, which resulted in few complications, and certainly nothing which was life threatening. So we were completely unprepared for our oldest daughters announcement to us that she was suffering from prenatal toxemia and would probably be confined to bed during the later months of her pregnancy. Following several highly elevated blood pressure readings, which were caused without any apparent reason, Melissa was sent to Providence hospital in Mobile, Alabama in an effort to stabilize her blood pressure and determine causal effects. While in the hospital, the blood pressure was stabilized and she was preparing to be released, but her body weight began an unprecedented rise of forty pounds within a forty-eight hour period. She complained of violent headaches and swelling was throughout her body. Melissa had an emergency transfer to the University of South Alabama, Children's and Women's Unit in mid afternoon prior to her delivery of our grandson.
Doctors and nurses attended her in the emergency operating room and about nine that night, a doctor requested to speak to the husband. Ned, my wife and myself were present and the Doctor told Ned that the swelling and rapid weight gain had caused water to seep into the brain cavity and was pressing on the heart. They would attempt to reduce this pressure, where the baby could be delivered. The medication which was given was successful. However, a second startling announcement was that a slim possibility would result in both the mother and baby being kept alive and that a choice must be made as to who would live, if the choice narrowed to one person. Unless you have actually been in a situation like this, the magnitude is only partially realized. When people say that they pray for a good outcome, they actually mean that all of the energy, passion, and persuasion that a person may posses is gathered for a prayer which is humble (not contrite), unfettered (leaving it in Gods hand), and fervent (heart felt and without sin). We three united as one and prayed our prayer.
Both Melissa and Drew lived. Drew was born in the 28th week of pregnancy.
Drew as an Ambassador
Melissa and Ned have taken Drew to speaking engagements, club meetings, and public forums, where his story is told in passionate and heart felt terms, about how the dimes collected have provided the research which probably saved both mother and son. About the training of the doctors and nurses who have specialty training to deal with the situations which they encountered, and how a hospital which specializes in prevention and cure of childhood diseases is a gem in the crown of Mobile, Alabama and our surrounding area. They have also told of their heart felt thanks for a community of parents and children of this hospital who lend support to those who have survived and who return to the hospital to help others in need.
These are the stories we grandparents must tell and retell, so that future generations will seize upon the opportunity to turn from their materialism and self gratification and give to our communities a portion of that which they have so freely and richly received.
USA Children's and Women's Hospital
New facilities for children and women were being constructed while Melissa and Drew
were in the older facility. Seeing the more than 100 babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Nursery, quickly drew attention for the need to construct a facility which would be just for women and
children.
Dedicated in September, 1997, this newly established hospital is one of only five freestanding hospitals in the United States dedicated exclusively to the health care needs of children and women.
USA Neonatal Intensive Care - Premature and critically ill newborns are cared for in the region's most sophisticated care center for infants. Mother's who experience complications are treated in the high - risk Obstetrical Care Unit.
USA's Child Life Program - Of course children will continue to be children, even though hospitalized, and their psychosocial needs are addressed through this outstanding program.
Class Act Room - Yuck! School is in session. However those whose stay may be extended are kept up to date on assignments. The program also addresses the child's total well-being by providing an outlet from the things that are happening to them in terms of their medical care, thus providing a total recovery program.
Pet Therapy Program - Which is also part of the Child Life Program. How about a pet in the hospital room? The unconditional love and affection are strong medicine for youngsters. The pets who regularly visit the hospital are certified by Pet Partners, a local group associated with the Delta Society.
USA Regional Breast Care Center - Today, women have the best chance ever of overcoming this disease - with the key being early detection, which include self-examination and mammography screenings. The USA network of hospitals include comprehensive breast care services - breast biopsy, surgery, breast reconstruction and ontological care.