An Inspiring Tale of Resilience and Exceptional Care at Children’s Hospital
“When you first find out you’re pregnant, you just have this image of you having the baby, and it automatically goes into your arms, and you have this cute little emotional moment. Well, that was not the case for me!”
In a quiet neighbourhood in London, Ontario, lives a family whose journey clearly illustrates the extraordinary care Children’s Hospital provides.
Kamlee’s story is one that many mothers and fathers encounter when challenges are placed in their paths. Having received a life-saving kidney transplant in 2011, Kamlee was aware of the potential risks of pregnancy. Most transplant recipients will need a new kidney 10-15 years later, and her transplanted kidney was nearing the end of its typical lifespan.
Kamlee met Saif the same year she had her kidney transplant, and their love story blossomed over six years of dating before they tied the knot.
Two years ago, the couple decided to expand their family. She knew that with her medical challenges, there could be issues, but what played out was nothing like she had contemplated.
The pregnancy seemed perfect until around 24 weeks when Kamlee’s blood pressure began to rise. She was admitted to the hospital at the beginning of January 2022. Despite efforts to manage her condition, her kidney levels deteriorated, necessitating a surgical procedure to implant a catheter for dialysis.
Just as they were preparing for dialysis, a sudden change of plans brought baby Zyon into the world via an emergency C-section at 27 weeks. Kamlee describes those first few days as living in a bubble, almost dreamlike – something she never expected.
“It was tough seeing him that small with equipment on and in him. He was intubated and had wires all around him for that, and you couldn’t even see his face – it was tough,” Kamlee shared.
Born prematurely, Zyon faced a myriad of health challenges during his 101 days in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Every day was a new challenge, from collapsed lungs to infections and blood clots. Every day presented many ups and downs, which takes its toll on any young mother and new father day in and day out.
However, the skilled and compassionate team at Children’s Hospital was unwavering in their support. Advanced equipment, such as the jet ventilator, and the dedication of nurses like Robin and Kate played a crucial role in Zyon’s remarkable recovery. The hospital’s environment, where the selection of primary nurses is possible in the NICU, provided Kamlee with a sense of control and comfort in an otherwise overwhelming situation. The two nurses she chose to work with were different in approach but had Zyon and Kamlee’s interest as a priority. It was a perfect team, Kamlee says in hindsight.
About a month after Zyon was born, Kamlee held her son for the very first time. She mentions it as a feeling she will never, ever forget.
The hospital’s support extended beyond medical care. The Paediatric Family Resource Centre provided Kamlee with classes and activities that offered a brief respite from the intense stress of the NICU. She particularly appreciated the music therapy sessions, which Zyon loves.
A social worker named Deloris and the entire medical team were instrumental in helping Kamlee navigate the emotional and psychological challenges of having a child in critical condition. They do not prepare you for this in prenatal care
classes or books.
The day Zyon was to come home for the first time after spending over 100 days in the hospital was the scariest of
her life. “Scarier than my kidney transplant,” she said. But it was also a relief and the first time the entire family met baby Zyon in their home. Due to COVID restrictions, no one except Kamlee and Saif had been allowed to visit – the family was so
excited to meet Zyon for the first time.
The family’s proximity to the hospital was a blessing, yet Kamlee empathized deeply with families travelling from afar without their support systems at arm’s reach. Even though they weren’t allowed in the NICU, she could go to her sister’s house for a break, nap, or distraction. Being isolated, like she saw other moms and young families, was hard to watch. All the moms became a team while in the NICU — it was a powerful experience.
Kamlee told us that when she was in the NICU with her son – she learned that nearly 100 percent of the equipment used to keep her son alive and allow his tiny body to grow stronger was provided by donors like you – she never knew that the government did not supply all the equipment used to treat patients. Instead, it was purchased with the money raised by donors like you. This was a profound moment for her and her family to know that the entire community was helping her son Zyon get stronger each day. She told us that this new knowledge enhanced her and her family’s belief in giving back and being part of the community in which they live.
“We all need to give back and support our hospitals – I know firsthand how this generosity saved my son’s life. I will never forget that people in my community ensured that the state-of-the-art equipment used in the NICU was there due to their generous commitment to health care. We all need to give as much as we can to support Children’s,” says Kamlee with tears in her eyes.
Zyon’s story is not just about survival but also about thriving against the odds. Despite being developmentally delayed and recently diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, he is exceeding expectations at his adjusted age. His charming personality, eagerness to explore, and constant smile bring immense joy to his family.
To help more families like Kamlee and Zyon’s, click here to make a donation.
