MARCH FOR BABIES: A MOTHER OF A MOVEMENT™
Jacksonville
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University of North Florida
1 UNF Drive , Jacksonville, FL 32224
Date: Saturday, April 27, 2019 9:00 AM
1 UNF Drive , Jacksonville, FL 32224
Date: Saturday, April 27, 2019 9:00 AM
Our ambassador
The Nevolis Family
The Nevolis Family
At 27 weeks pregnant, Gary and I attended a routine doctor appointment where they discovered that I was experiencing signs of preeclampsia. At the time we didn't know what preeclampsia was or if it was common but soon learned that it is known as pregnancy induced hypertension that can lead to seizures, coma, and even death. Speaking with a nurse we discovered there were 7 other women at the hospital with preeclampsia but I didn't "fit the bill" for someone that's usually admitted for preeclampsia - the other women were farther along than I was.
Over the next three days, my symptoms progressed so quickly and became so severe that I had to have an emergency c-section. Avery Evelyn Nevolis was born January 20, 2018 at just 27 weeks and 6 days, weighing 2 pounds 4 ounces and 13 inches long. Avery was in the NICU for 76 days where our family went through an experience that changed us forever.
Over the course of those 76 days, Gary and I watched doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, and physicians assistants do countless procedures. Transitions in equipment and medicine helped Avery get ready to go home included multiple blood transfusions, daily breathing treatments, ventilators, high-flow assisted breathing, PICC lines, rounds of steroids, and the need for 24/7 tube feedings for her under developed heart and lungs. Avery stayed on oxygen for an additional four months after coming home. Additionally, Avery had an apnea monitor to wear at night to monitor her heart for an additional 6 months.
Gary and I did not know much about the March of Dimes before this experience. While nothing can prepare you for how frightening the NICU can be for parents we've be able to connect with families with similar experiences through March for Babies.
For more than 80 years, the March of Dimes has provided support for research, treatments, educational and prenatal programs that has saved lives, reduced the suffering and improved the quality of life for countless children and the parents who love them. My daughter is one of their success stories; a wonderful example of what March of Dimes efforts have accomplished. By participating in March for Babies you can help the March of Dimes continue to bring new advances that improve the health of babies here in our community and across the nation.
- Gary, Jamie, and Avery Nevolis
NATIONAL PARTNERS
Thank you to our local sponsors