NICU Friends of BWH Fundraiser by The Hurley Family
On May 25, 2023, at 22.5 weeks, Michelle unexpectedly gave birth to our twins, Matthew John (1.2lbs) and Emma Elizabeth (1lb). Given their early births, they were extremely susceptible to infection, and after a brief honeymoon period, it was discovered that Emma had developed necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). NEC is an inflammation of the intestine that leads to a bacterial invasion that causes cellular damage, cellular death, and necrosis of the colon and intestine.
Shortly after this discovery, Emma received a penrose drain, which is designed to remove contaminants from the stomach. While surgeons performed this procedure on Emma, it was discovered that Matthew was also displaying signs of NEC. Both were put on antibiotics and antifungal medicines. Matthew received a penrose drain a few days later, but unfortunately, this introduced massive trauma to his already fragile body, and he passed away in his daddy’s arms on June 03, 2023.
As Emma continues to grow and heal, Michelle and I continue to spend our days and evenings in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Emma continues to amaze us and her team every single day. Here at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH), we are surrounded by the best doctors, nurses, technicians, and housekeeping staff. We are very grateful that we have been able to focus all our time and attention on Emma. This is all because of the love and support from family, friends, and people whom we have never even met. The relief of not having to worry about home life, transportation, food, housing, or anything else that we would consider small on a daily basis has been a godsend.
Unfortunately, this is not the case for every NICU family.
Throughout our stay (57 days as of today, July 21, 2023), we have experienced and witnessed through others the joy, happiness, anger, sadness, and grief that life has to offer. Given all of this, we have still managed to find comfort in the NICU.
Providing life-saving care for upwards of 8,000 babies each year, The NICU at Brigham and Women’s Hospital is renowned for providing extraordinary care to the tiniest of miracles and their families during critical and extended hospital stays.
The NICU Friends of BWH help families cover some of the non-medical, yet unavoidable, costs incurred during their baby’s NICU stay. This enables them to stay focused on what’s most important: the health and development of their newborn. The NICU Friends of BWH helps cover everything from temporary housing to groceries, transportation, and other essential support services.
For our birthdays this year, Michelle (08/03) and I (07/24) are asking those who can to consider donating to The NICU Friends of BWH in memory of Matthew John and in support of Emma and the continued, daily efforts of the entire staff here at the Brigham and Women’s NICU. We would kindly ask for anyone on social media to share this initiative so The NICU Friends of BWH can help as many families as possible.
To share, simply copy and paste the following link to your post:
http://events.brighamandwomens.org/goto/HurleyNICUFundraiser
Because if one family in the future can be relieved of some stress, even for a day, that is all focused energy that can be directed at their child’s journey towards going home.
Thank You.
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