Having the right ventilator available at the right time can make the difference between life and death.
Each day, Alisen and her husband Kelsey count their blessings that the appropriate breathing support was available to save the life of their daughter Avery.
The little girl was born with a rare congenital diaphragmatic hernia that prevented normal lung growth. She spent several weeks inside the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at BC Women’s Hospital and underwent multiple surgeries.
“It is still hard to talk about a time where Avery was so sick,” says Alisen. “It was hard to remember the times we felt we may not actually get to be parents this time.”
Avery survived with the help of specialized medical ventilators made possible by donors to TB Vets.
“Everyday. EVERYDAY. I look at my daughter and I count my blessings she is here,” says Alisen. “That I’m a Mom. That Kels is a Dad. Even the days that are tough as a parent, I stop myself at the end of the day when I put her to bed and really thank EVERYONE for our little girl. I am not just saying this. I really do.”*
