Love, Kam
“Dear NICU Mama, In this season of motherhood, I hope you continue to grow with your NICU story. I hope you find yourself on the other side very soon full of pride for all of the hard work you and your warrior have accomplished.
On the hard days, I hope you remind yourself “just 1 more!” One more test and you’re closer to having answers, one more feed closer to hitting that weight goal, just one more minute and they are already stronger than the minute before and one more minute closer to going home.
On the good days I hope you remind yourself, “just 1 less!” That’s 1 less intervention they need, one less medication to support their health, 1 less milestone to master before going home.
In your post NICU days, I hope you remember that you are 1 less mama needing held just a little longer, and 1 more mama doing the holding of other mamas for the rest of your days. Your story is worth having pride in!”
Love,
Kam
More of Kam + Karsyn’s NICU Journey:
“During the 5 years my husband and I struggled with infertility(2016-2021,) my Gram had been diagnosed with a rare disease. Not knowing what that would look like for her, I asked her at one point, “Gram if you make it to heaven before I can have babies, please send me the sweetest boy you can find!” Fast forward to November 2023 with 2 beautiful girls of our own, my Gram passed away…5 months later, April 2024, I found out I was pregnant with that very little boy I asked her for all those years ago.
In July 2024 at our first ultrasound and anatomy scan, he showed us that he was very behind in size and missing a kidney. Sent to our nearest world renowned hospital, Karsyn was given a 14% chance of survival at our first appointment.
Seen every single week for an ultrasound from the end of August until November 21st @ 3:18 AM, Karsyn Scott, weighing 4 pounds 5 ounces, stretching 18 inches long…came into this world at 37 weeks gestational age, measuring at the size of a 33 week old baby. Karsyn has Right Unilateral Renal Agenisis meaning he is missing his right kidney. Genetics discovered and believe this was caused by a Microdeletion that only 4% of people have. As a fluke in the system and a true medical mystery, Karsyn is missing a portion of genes on the long arm of his 22nd chromosome, contributing to all his medical anomalies. Tubes, cords, wires, CPAP, IV’s, X-rays, ultrasounds, endless blood work, 15 doctors, 6 specialists, 40+ nurses, and one helluva fight…our boy finally got to come home on supplemental oxygen and many positive boxes checked off after 27 days in the NICU at OHSU.
I have to admit that so far in my life, I’ve not experienced a greater pain than, one - preparing to possibly say goodbye to a well deserved labor of love, and two - walking out of that hospital every day for 27 days in a row without that love. BUT I am so damn proud that I can say, “I did the damn thing!” And we got him home! There’s been no greater Christmas miracle than having my completed family all under the same roof and to be reunited with my Gram’s love in the flesh, knowing I never have to go another day without a piece of her here on earth.
If you are a NICU parent, you absolutely have my heart! If you’ve made it this far, thank you for letting me share our story with you!”
