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KATIE — USA
Born July 1, 1985 Early-onset Mother's GBS Status: Not tested Gestational Age: Full-term Age harmed: 12 hours of age |
Katie was born on her due date, July 1, 1985 at 9:20 a.m. She was a beautiful baby, my third, joining her two brothers. When she was brought to me for her night feeding, she didn't eat and I noticed she was wheezing. I pointed this out to the nurse who assured me that the not eating thing was normal and she made note of the wheezing. The next morning, the pediatrician advised me Katie had "not had a good night." The nurses had called him about 2 a.m. and he had been with her the remainder of the wee hours. X-rays revealed she had a lung infection, a serious lung infection. The Doctor didn't yet know the cause but had started her on potent antibitotics. Later in the day, he told me it was B-Strep. Katie stayed in hospital for 10 days. She came home on a Tuesday, and by Friday morning, I knew something wasn't right. I called the pediatrician and said, "At the risk of sounding like a paranoid mother, something is not right with this baby." He told me to bring Katie in immediately, which I did. Within 2 hours, she was diagnosed with B Strep meningitis. The doctor said, "If she makes it, she may be blind, deaf, paralyzed or severely retarded."
How many of you have heard that?
Well, I'm here to tell you...don't give up. Although she struggled with learning and motor skills disabilties, Katie is a recent graduate of USC with a degree in Psychology. She is teaching at a private school and madly in love with a man she met while at USC who is just starting a dental practice.
The intervening years were often challenging....Katie received outstanding assistance through the Resource Program in our local school district and was mainstreamed in 8th grade. She has always had to work harder than most, but her efforts have been rewarded.
There is a happy ending!!
— Birdget Healy, CA, USA
How many of you have heard that?
Well, I'm here to tell you...don't give up. Although she struggled with learning and motor skills disabilties, Katie is a recent graduate of USC with a degree in Psychology. She is teaching at a private school and madly in love with a man she met while at USC who is just starting a dental practice.
The intervening years were often challenging....Katie received outstanding assistance through the Resource Program in our local school district and was mainstreamed in 8th grade. She has always had to work harder than most, but her efforts have been rewarded.
There is a happy ending!!
— Birdget Healy, CA, USA
