MARCH FOR BABIES: A MOTHER OF A MOVEMENT™
Jacksonville StepUp
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University of North Florida
1 UNF Drive Coxwell Amphitheater, Jacksonville, FL 32224
Date: Friday, May 15, 2020 9:00 AM
1 UNF Drive Coxwell Amphitheater, Jacksonville, FL 32224
Date: Friday, May 15, 2020 9:00 AM
Ambassador Family
The Oropeza Family
The Oropeza Family
Our story begins back in 2014 when we were informed that I would have a high-risk pregnancy if I were ever to conceive. We did a cone procedure, which made my cervix incompetent. We waited anxiously for a green light from the doctors to be able to grow our family. It was not until November 2015 when we got a positive pregnancy test! It was definitely one of the happiest days of our lives as it was something we truly wished for! We were finally pregnant! Since I was considered high-risk, we scheduled our first few doctors’ appointments with my OBGYN, who kept a close look at my cervix. I would have ultrasounds done every 2 weeks.
My pregnancy was going great. But on April 4, 2016 (my birthday), I awoke and got out of bed at 1AM and felt water running down my legs. I woke my husband up telling him “I think my water broke.'' He quickly got up and we rushed to the ER. When we arrived, the nurse tested for amniotic fluid with a dye strip, which came back negative, letting us know that my water had not broken, but called my OBGYN and sent us home.
The next morning, my mom called to check on me, but I was still leaking fluid and my OBGYN was able to get me in for a checkup that morning. When I arrived, the nurse did the exact test I just had at the ER the night before and I received another ultrasound. I knew right then my water had in fact broken and the ultrasound confirmed my worse fear.
I was then moved to a room, and the doctor started explaining everything: the risks, the chances of survival, and by his explanations it was pure panic. He tried to keep us calm by explaining the plan and goals and that together we would try to do everything to keep the baby in for as long as possible. They put in my IV and started magnesium. They mentioned I would feel very hot. I felt horrible. I also received two rounds of steroids within a short period of time to help develop the baby's lungs. Now we were in survival mood with short-term goals. I was 25 weeks along and we talked about making it to 26 weeks.
After two weeks and two days in the hospital, things changed. I started having severe pain and my belly was hard. I could feel so much pressure and I buzzed the nurse. Abriana Yuritzy Oropeza arrived April 20, 2016 and that was when our NICU journey began. Abriana was full of wires connected to machines that would monitor heart rate, oxygen, pressure, and her body temperature. She had a feeding tube down her throat and was on ventilation support.
Our days continued and as we reached milestones, we celebrated each ounce Abriana gained. On June 24, 2016, Abriana graduated from the NICU! She was an early graduate - her due date was July 19, 2016 we went home a month early! Abriana will turn 4 this year and is thriving. She has definitely changed our lives. We’ve learn to see the world in a completely different way - the importance of life and the things that really matter! We have a miracle - a beautiful blessing.
My message to all parents in the NICU is to never lose hope. The journey is indeed a rollercoaster ride, but faith is the only real power we have and no one can take that from us!
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