Gunner “Roo” Glasco Born March 31, 2012 5 lbs 14 oz 20 in 4 weeks too soon “Gunner’s delivery happened so fast. I developed pre-eclampsia at 34 weeks and was placed on bed rest. I went to my appointment and was told that I was going to be a direct admit, because my blood pressure was dangerously high. I spent 5 days at Nanticoke Memorial Hospital to try and lower my blood pressure. The doctors continued to monitor Gunner the whole time. They planned on inducing labor on Friday, March 30, 2012 and it was unsuccessful. I began to get extremely weak and my OB/GYN decided it was time. I barely had time to tell my family I was being prepped for a cesarean. Gunner was delivered via emergency cesarean section at 36 weeks gestation to the day. After delivery, the pediatrician noticed Gunner was having difficulty breathing. They told me that they would monitor him for the next 8 hours and hope for the best. Gunner didn’t improve and had to be transported to the Kent General NICU. In route, he had to be intubated. Once Gunner arrived to the NICU, they also found that he had pneumonia. Gunner was born fighting and continued to fight to breath independently. Everyday his breathing improved and within days, he went from a respirator, c-pap, nasal canula and then was breathing on his own without assistance. He had to remain in the NICU for 7 days to complete IV antibiotics. I wasn’t able to enjoy my delivery or even hold my precious baby boy for 2 full days. I was recuperating and he was 45 minutes away in another hospital. His father, Kent, was able to go and be with him. The NICU staff offered the best care we could ever ask for and they also educated us so we could properly care for our premature son. We feel extremely blessed that our son had the crucial care available to give him a fighting chance at life. Gunner has continued to fight many premature battles. He was diagnosed with asthma after having pneumonia 3 additional times since birth. He also suffers from: severe reflux, multiple food allergies and countless upper respiratory and ear infections. It was difficult to watch him miss milestones and be low on growth charts. He may have had delays, but that didn’t stop him. I had to remind myself that he was early and he may take longer to do the things that children his age were already doing. Gunner is now 3 years old and you would never know he was premature. The medical care provided to him has been phenomenal and he wouldn't be where he is today without it. Gunner means warrior and he has proven that over and over again.” Tricia Thomas Team Race for Roo thanks you for supporting the March of Dimes!