I can’t think of a better way to ring in 2014 than by bringing my thirteen month old son, Kane, home from the hospital. We were discharged from the Stollery Children’s Hospital on December 31st, just in time for a New Years celebration!
Kane was admitted to the Stollery on Friday, December 27th for open heart surgery. Dr. Ivan Rebeyka and his team successfully repaired Kane’s Supravalvular Aortic Stenosis during a surgery that felt as though it took forever, though in reality was only about four hours.
No matter how many times I have photographed heart babies, nothing could have prepared me for seeing my own child in the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (PCICU) after surgery. The swelling, the tubes, the IVs…overwhelmed me. I knew Kane was in the best possible place with the most capable people, but my gut reaction was still panic.
Prepare yourself the next few photos are intense…
Throughout Kane’s time in hospital, I kept family and friends updated through a group on Facebook. This was a phenomenal way to be able to get information and photos out to everyone, but also was a huge support system for my husband, Harrison, and I. The positive messages posted on every update and photo kept us going and though I didn’t often reply to specific comments, know that each one touched us deeply and helped us through a tough time.
Kane spent two nights in the PCICU, before moving to the Pediatric Cardiology Unit (4C3) where he spent another two nights. Kane’s speedy recovery can be partially credited to his amazing resilience and determination to get moving again, but the rest of the credit goes to the nurses, surgeons, cardiologists, residents, fellows, respiratory therapists, physiotherapists…I hope I’m not missing anyone…who supported him during surgery and his recovery.
Please feel free to share our journey. My hope is that parents going through a similar experience will see a success story, hospital staff will see gratitude, and organizations like the Family Centred Care Network, Treasure Life, Ronald McDonald House, and the Madden Deluca Foundation will see that they are making a difference.
Our experience has strengthened my passion for photographing medically fragile babies. If you know a family who would appreciate the gift of family photographs, whether in hospital or after they are at home, please contact me.
Absolutely beautiful! I can’t believe how fast he recovered! What an amazing little boy! I can’t wait to see you guys!
We will be back at strollercize just as soon as we can, Kirsten!
Kristy your son and pictures are truly amazing. I am so pleased that Kane got home in such a short time. My grand daughter has heart surgery 9 years ago and the advancement of techniques and procedures is incredible. Happy healthy 2014 to all of you.
The technology is definitely amazing. We have a lot to be thankful for!
I’m so happy to hear Kane’s surgery went well! Wishing you all the best in 2014!
Thanks Tanya. I think of you guys often. Happy New Year.
Way to go Kane, you rocked this surgery like we knew you would! Confident 2014 will be bigger and better for you guys!! 😉
Looking forward to sharing more of Rylie’s story!
So happy that you are doing so well Kane. We have been thinking of you lots during this time. You are one very special little boy.
Thanks, Marcia.
Amazing, what a cute little guy. So happy to see he is doing well, all the best!
Thanks Jaime.
Absolutely excellent news that Kane did so great. Love the photos. He is sooooo edible.
Thanks, Denise. Taking photos was a great way for me to maintain my sanity throughout.
Thank you so much for the update. Kane is such a fighter, and I loved the Heart Monkey! It looks like he had wonderful care, and great parents. Keep in touch and let me know if I can help. Aunt Lois
I’m glad you were able to see it Lois. We’re pretty proud of this kid.
You are an amazing family! What a gift your photos and story are. Kane is one special little guy. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks, Cory. I feel that its pretty important to tell his story. I plan on making a surgery photo book for Kane.
Wow Kristy, Kane’s recovery was amazing!! I’m happy to hear that is all behind you guys now. Pics are fantastic too 🙂
Donna RN from NICU
Thanks, Donna. Good to hear from you!
Hi there. I am Judy VP of Treasure Life. What great shots and a beautiful baby boy. The pictures bring back lots of memories of Evan and his surgeries. Aside from being VP of the charity. I am Evan’s grandma. Thank you for taking such an amazing picture with our beads. Kane looks like he well on a great road of recovery.
Thank you, Judy. I’m glad I could share what your organization is doing.
What an incredible journey, you’ve captured it so well with your photos. Thank you for sharing. So glad to see that your little man has recovered! Children are so amazingly resilient.
Thank you for sharing your story and photos. Your are an amazing person. Kane is a beautiful little boy.