Sonya Johnson

Nova Noel Washington was born on Monday, August 5, 2019, at 33 weeks and 1 day. My daughter's pregnancy had been complicated by placenta previa. On July 20, 2019, she was hospitalized at 30 weeks after hemorrhaging and placed on bedrest at the Woman's Hospital of Texas in Houston, TX. The bleeding finally stopped a few days later. However, on Sunday, August 4, 2019, she had symptoms associated with sepsis. Both Nova and her mother were carefully monitored for the next 12 hours, but the hemorrhaging started again, requiring an emergency c-section. Nova was successfully delivered at 5:03 pm. She was stablized and taken to the Level III NICU. Nova was placed on CPAP, was given a feeding tube, started on antibiotics and had IVs at the top of her head, on her hands and feet. After a few days, she became jaundice and began phototherapy. Over the next few weeks, Nova began to breathe on her own and was able to start bottle feeding. Nova stayed in the NICU for 21 days. She was discharged on Monday, August 26, 2019. We vow to always walk with Nova. She is the sweetest miracle! Our team, Nova's Squad, is part of the movement to create positive change for moms and babies everywhere, especially those most at risk. With preterm birth and maternal death rates continuing to rise, we’re committed to raising funds so that every family gets the best possible start. And you can help us. Please visit our fundraising page to make a donation or join us in the walk. Together we’ll be part of a movement to make America a more equitable place and ensure that every mom and baby is healthy.