Nicole Kosirog

I joined the movement to create positive change for moms and babies everywhere, especially those most at risk. I am most inspired by my son, Jack. 

With preterm birth and maternal death rates continuing to rise, I’m committed to raising funds so that every family gets the best possible start. 

Jack was born extremely unexpectedly on February 7, 2023, 10 weeks early, at 30 weeks and 5 days gestation. My pregnancy with Jack was entirely uncomplicated, until the morning of 2/7 when I went into preterm labor. Despite all efforts, my labor was unable to be stopped and Jack was born hours later. Due to the very fast labor and birth, he only received a few hours of magnesium sulfate for neuro protection and the steroids for his lungs did not have time to work properly. He was taken to the NICU where he spent a total of 34 days. Jack did incredibly well, he was on c-pap for a short time, followed by oxygen and on room air by February 19 (the day of his baby shower!). He started breastfeeding around 33 weeks, and left the NICU a champion breastfeeder. 

After our 5 weeks in the NICU, we thought most of the challenges were behind us. However, around his due date in April, Jack had to have surgery for a triple hernia repair. He had an umbilical and 2 inguinal hernias. This is due to his intestines and organs not being fully developed yet when he was born. His recovery was challenging and painful but after he healed, we again felt like we were on our way. 

Around 6 months old we did our cardiology follow up due to 2 holes in Jack's heart as a result of his premature birth. We were so relieved to hear that they were about 99% closed and his heart was healthy with no restrictions! 

Around 8 months old we noticed Jack started to cross either eye when focusing on an object.  He was diagnosed with strabismus (bilateral eye crossing) and we started patching one eye to strengthen the other, soon to be followed by his first pair of cutest glasses when he turned one. 

Around one year old is also when we had a NICU follow up where they recommended physical therapy due to Jack having a hard time learning to sit up on his own, as well as his other gross motor skills. We began our therapy journey on January 18, 2024. From there, we were referred to a neurologist and physiatrist for a concern about Jack's muscle tone. After a long journey, on July 10 2024, Jack was diagnosed with mild cerebral palsy. The doctors explained that this was a result of his premature birth, that caused some damage to the developing brain, and manifested as an increase in muscle tone in Jack's legs, causing a challenge in balance, gross motor skills and flexibility. Jack was fit for his first pair of AFO leg braces and started on a muscle relaxer with continued physical and occupational therapy. He also received his first little walker! 

In a quest for more answers, Jack had an MRI in December of 2024 which confirmed his cerebral palsy diagnosis. In fact, the neurologist was able to tell us that Jack suffered from a cerebral insult, or an ischemic stroke, around the time of his birth due to the prematurity which damaged the motor neurons and “wiring system” that is responsible for quickly sending signals from the brain to the spinal cord to the legs. The legs are where Jack is affected. 

We are now getting ready to celebrate Jack's second birthday and despite all of the challenges Jack has faced in his short life so far, we have the happiest and most determined little boy I've ever known. Jack works so hard in intense therapies to rewire the damaged areas of his brain and overcome his challenges. He currently walks (and tries to run!) around with his walker as we manage the high muscle tone in his legs. Our journey has not been easy, however we continue to rise to every challenge and are incredibly inspired by Jack's spirit and determination in life. 

Please paste the following link into your internet browser for more information about team CDH and to order your T-shirt for the walk!

https://forms.office.com/r/XU5xAUZP9T