The Zamora Family
February 6th, 2001 started like any other day. I dressed for and arrived at work at 8am. Sitting through training that morning I had no pain just a nagging discomfort. I decided to call my doctor, she wanted to see me right away. I drove myself to Dr. Castillo’s office not realizing I was in labor. I was dilated to a 1. She sent me to the hospital and arriving there I had quickly dilated to a 3. At this point, they called my husband, and I knew something was wrong. I still had 6 weeks until my due date and knew we would be in trouble if Erik tried to make his arrival. They started me on magnesium right away and kept me on it all afternoon. I was still dilating. I knew I was going to give birth. Erik Andrew Zamora was born at 8:23PM. When he was born he wasn’t breathing. They brought him over to me for a split second in which I blinked and missed seeing him as they rushed him to the NICU. It was well after midnight and we still hadn’t heard any news on his condition. We were finally allowed to see him late the next evening but it would be 4 long days before I would get to hold my newborn son for the first time.
Even though Erik weighed 6lbs 11oz at birth he was 6 weeks early and was very sick. His lungs were not developed. He received surfactant therapy brought about by March of Dimes research that allowed him to breathe. He spent 6 weeks in the NICU. His first few years’ life were extremely challenging. We were in and out of the hospital every week. He suffered from seizures, we were told he would be developmentally delayed and would never be an athlete. Erik has always been determined to be more. It was definitely not easy. We had a portable nebulizer, rotary breathing and a retired nurse as a nanny to help keep him on track. With GREAT doctors, an amazing support system and a drive like no other Erik has defied the odds. He grew up playing football, basketball, and soccer and in Middle School found his love for long distance running. He is an Elite Cross Country Runner for Tascosa High School running at least 8 miles a day. He is 6A District Champ in the 800 and 3rd in Regionals. He has received several offers to run at the collegiate level! Erik is not only an amazing Athlete but excels in his academics as well. He is a member of the National Honor Society, a member of the Tascosa Football Fanatics, and a Community Volunteer for Potter Randall 9-1-1. Erik’s goal is to be an inspiration to all NICU graduates and anyone who has ever been told they will never……
Nothing is unachievable as long as you are will to do whatever it takes…
We support the March of Dimes because they fight for every mom and baby. They are looking for answers to prevent preterm birth and are there to help when things don’t go right.