TrachKids.org

TrachKid Profile

Haley was born April 15, 1996 at 32 weeks. She was unable to breathe so she was taken to the NICU. Her Apgar scores were 3, 5, and 7. She was in the NICU for two months before she went home. These were frightening months when at times we didn't know if she would live.

While she was in the hospital Haley was diagnosed with many health issues that she overcame before she was discharged. She had tracheal malasia, ASD and VSD, a brain bleed grade 1, an enlarged kidney, severe reflux that required a nissen fundoplication and a g-tube, seizures, and a stroke at the time of birth.

Although Haley's tracheal malasia is gone, she still has paralyzed vocal cords. Recently, Haley's doctor found movement in her vocal cords on the right side. Haley wears a Passy-Muir which has helped her begin to vocalize. It is overwhelming to finally hear her voice! Haley also has a g-tube that will come out when she begins to eat by mouth.

Today, she is a happy and healthy toddler. Developmentally, Haley has caught up to and in some areas passed "normal" children her own age. She amazes us with her strength and perseverance. We are blessed to have such a beautiful and loving child in our lives.

We have met many new people because of this experience, and we have many new friends. We started a trach support group in Dallas and would love to share our experiences. You can reach us by e-mail to find out more about our group.

UPDATE: Haley's trach will come out this summer. At her last appointment, February 1998, her doctor said her right vocal cord is working and there is possible movement on the left. Haley is scheduled for surgery in May so we'll know more then.
E-mail: GBARTON@DRESSER.COM

• Gender: Female
• Demographic Region: North America
• Medical Conditions: Reflux, vocal cord paralysis, Ventricular Septal Defect, Seizure disorder, Atrial Septal Defect, G-Tube, Stroke

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4 years 5 weeks

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United States

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Texas