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The Beginning
The whole time I was pregnant with Brianna all my doctor's visits were normal. I even knew that I was carrying a girl based on my ultrasound. So it was a total shock when I started having contractions a little less than 24 weeks into the pregnancy. My husband had his first aid squad drive us down to the hospital. Initially I thought I would just be going to the hospital and getting checked out and come back home after hearing that famous expression, "Better safe than sorry" because noone likes to think when they've come that far along into the pregnancy that anything bad can happen. You always hear about the miscarriages early on in the pregnancy so naturally, early on I was nervous and as time went by I became more relaxed with my pregnancy. Upon arrival at the hospital, I had to go to the bathroom but the nurse made me stay on the bed until I was checked out. Once I was checked out with an ultrasound the doctor discovered that the baby was going to be delivered. At that point, everything happened real fast; there wasnt even time to have my bathroom needs met. The doctor told us that the baby probably wouldnt live. However, an emergency c-section would give a slightly better chance although even with a c section my baby would probably die. Despite hearing this, we chose the c-section so arrangements were made in the unlikely event that my baby should live for her to be transferred to another hospital with a NICU. After being resucitated my baby did live. We got to see her for a split second before she was transferred and at the time I was out of it from the anesthesia. She was so tiny I could barely see her. She was only slightly bigger than a barbie doll at 1 lb 4 oz and 12 in length. I had to stay in the hospital where I delivered her tp recover from my c-section, so my husband went to visit her at the other hospital. A day later I was on the phone with the doctor at the NICU who informed me that Brianna had a grade 3 and grade 4 brain bleed which is the most serious type of brain bleed. I was in tears. I couldnt believe it because at the time of her birth it seemed that the big issue was if she lived or died and once she lived unexpectedly I had regained my hope in having a healthy child since her living was a miracle in itself. I had always heard of premature babies and my impression was that they were just babies born a little earlier than expected. Little did I know about all the complications associated with premature babies and Brianna was at the lower end of the spectrum with the lowest survivability rate. Once I found out about the brain bleed, my doctor checked me out and released me from the hospital a day early so that I could go visit Brianna at the other hospital.
Brianna's Fight
Seeing Brianna for the first time brought tears to my eyes as her tiny hands and feet were swollen and bruised. Despite how painful it was to see her in this condition, she appeared to be fighting to survive. She was highly active moving her legs and arms all over the place. We were shocked that she could be so active with all the bruises she had. As time progressed we were told that the brain bleed was the only major problem that Brianna had. We were told that all of her other vitals were excellent and she was really pulling through and the bruising started its healing process. Just the fact that Brianna was alive was a miracle and the fact that all her other vitals were so good. She was on a low level of oxygen on the ventilator and her feedings were gradually increasing. She was highly active, could grab our fingers, would open her eyes and look at us and track other objects and smile. Based on all these good signs I had hope that just maybe Brianna would be the miracle. However, that never happened. In addition, we were given so many conflictiing pieces of information from doctors and hospital staff about the condition and prognosis of Brianna that it was next to impossible to make any sense of what they were saying. Initially the original neurologist did not give much information on Brianna’s prognosis and was almost impossible to get in touch with. He couldn’t give any predictions, but we at least wanted to know statistically where she was.The doctors gave Brianna spinal taps to remove some of the fluid in the brain. This went on for 10 days. However, the doctors were unable to remove a significant amount of fluid. It was finally time to transfer Brianna to another hospital that had more resources to help with Brianna’s brain. Since she was too small for a shunt, a reservoir was inserted in her head which would allow the doctors to tap to get rid of some fluid in the brain. Prior to the reservoir insertion, Brianna’s lung collapsed 3 times and she needed to have tubes inserted to drain the fluid. Now that the reservoir was inserted, it was time for a prognosis from the neurologist at this hospital. He showed us the MRI which showed a hole in her brain (brain damage). If she survived Brianna most likely would be in a near vegetative state. A day after hearing the life of suffering that Brianna would have, Brianna took a turn for the worst. She had an infection and the doctors didn’t know what it was and couldn’t do anything else for her. Her ventilator settings were at the maximum meaning that she was barely breathing on her own. The doctors told us that she would die within a day so we rushed to the hospital to be with her in her last moments. She opened her eyes and looked at us for a few hours and then went to sleep where she passed away peacefully. We often thought that it was unfair that Brianna had to go through all those procedures and suffering to die anyway. However, she did have 7 weeks of life which we spent every minute with her and she was a fighter.
Help other children in the future
This fund will help give hope to other children like Brianna so that others in the future may beat the odds and win her fight to survive. CNS has agreed to use money donated in her name to research brain regeneration specifically with brain tissue, cells, and neurons. Click here for a special news article: http://www.cnsfoundation.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=6355&security=1&news_iv_ctrl=-1
Catherine
Tue, Feb 13, 2007
I came across your page for Brianna and am heartbroken for you, her parents, and Brianna. Although I don't know you, your love for your daughter shines through in every word. What spirit and courage she had to fight so hard and for so long.
I hope you find comfort in knowing that Brianna's light will shine on. Prayers, wishes, and hugs to all who remember Brianna and love her.
Nadia Brown
Mon, Jan 01, 2007
I read the story above and it really touched my heart. I don't have any children onf my own yet,but someday wish to have some.My neice has CP and is having surgery this Feb she so full of life and always careing for others in her time of need shes a doll her name is Brianna as well.Just know that Miss Brianna is your little angel and she's with you every day. GOD BLESS YOU!
Nadia Brown
Mon, Jan 01, 2007
I read the story above and it really tuched my heart. I don't have any children onf my own yet,but someday wish to have some.Just know that Miss brianna is your little angel and she's with you every day. GOD BLESS YOU!
Brandon and Lydia Philbin
Fri, Dec 29, 2006
What a beautiful baby girl!
Our 24 weeker (Landon)is now 10 weeks and has endured numerous complications. Since Day 1 we've thought of nothing but bringing him home. Overcoming many obstacles thrown his way he's proved to be a true fighter with a strong will to survive. Due to prematurity he has decreased kidney function which has overloaded his body with fluids,negatively increasing his weight to 7lb.4oz All the while brain hemmorhages(grade 4) and swelling on the brain have not subsided. Signing a DNR or taking him off the vent were unimaginable thoughts,but are now issues we must consider. His life must have a purpose as did the life of your precious little one. We are saddened by your loss. God Bless You & God Bless Landon Hunt Philbin
Diana Burnell
Tue, Dec 05, 2006
My son Caleb was born at 23 weeks and has CP, but he also has the biggest heart and loves everyone unconditionally.
K.Gopalakrishnan, India
Mon, Oct 09, 2006
We have a son aged 18 years affected by Cerebral palsy. He cannot sit, speak. hear or see. All our efforts over the years have gone in vain.The almighty has given us the strength till date to support him. Afer us what will be his fate. That's the only big question mark in our mind.Hats off to my wife who has faced more pain than me since she is the one with him for 24 hrs 365 days.She is the real MOTHER.
angela
Wed, Sep 27, 2006
I'm so sorry. I went through a hard time with my son he only weighed 3lbs and 9 oz and lost back to 3.
Jaime Cochran
Wed, Aug 02, 2006
Hi Melanie,
I know you haven't heard from me in a while, but you are in my thoughts and prayers always. Had I known what happened I would have been there for you and I am always here, even though I am in Connecticut. Never hestitate to e-mail me at work jcochran@quantum-servicing.com or call me. If there is anything I can do, please let me know.
I wish I had the chance to meet Brianna. She was beautiful.
Your Friend,
Jaime
Karen from Texas
Sun, Apr 30, 2006
Although I don't know you, I'd like to express my sincere sympathies during this most difficult time. I thank you for sharing your story. I too had a premature child in Aug '04 weighing 1lb 5oz who did survive and I have somewhat of an idea of the struggles you've been thru. Please take comfort in knowing that she is in heaven now living a wonderful, peaceful life.
Nick B
Sat, Mar 18, 2006
She will be in my heart and prayers
Judy Patrick
Sun, Feb 26, 2006
Dear Melanie & David,
I just heard about your misfortune from your Grandmother Lorraine (I grew up next door to your Grandmother & Grandfather and know your Mom Carole and your Aunt Nancy) and I'm truly sorry for your loss. I can't imagine what you went through and are going through. I admire you for what you are doing to keep your daughter's memory alive and to help others that might be in your position. God bless you and your family always.
Judy (Gonitski) Patrick
Nick & Eleanor Renkiewicz
Fri, Feb 17, 2006
Dear Melanie & David:
We were neighbors and are good friends of your grandparents, Milt & Lorraine. We wish you memories that ease your loss and love that heals your sorrow. With our deepest sympathy,
Nick & Eleanor Renkiewicz
Joe
Tue, Feb 14, 2006
I am really very sorry that two great people like yourselves had to go through such heartache. I am sure it is incredibly difficult to cope or understand why this had to happen, but God is the only one that knows the true answer. I know God will continue to watch over you in
