After Spending 548 Days In The NICU Due To CHARGE Syndrome, This Nebraska Toddler Finally Got To Go Home With His Family
Parents who have had babies stay in the neonatal intensive care unit or NICU after being born know how difficult it can be, as not being able to take your baby home right away is a hard pill to swallow.
But can you imagine your baby spending 548 days in the NICU? Jagger Nathan, an 18-month-old from Nebraska, recently spent that long in the NICU due to some setbacks after his birth but was finally able to go home.
Jagger was born to parents Justin and Torie Nathan on April 9th, 2022, and was immediately sent to the pediatric hospital, Children’s Nebraska, in Omaha. While pregnant with Jagger, Torie wasn’t told there were any complications.
But after her water surprisingly broke while 31 weeks pregnant, she was rushed to the emergency room where, via ultrasound, she and Justin found out Jagger had congenital heart disease. Upon arriving at Children’s Nebraska, Jagger went through a series of genetic tests, and doctors discovered he had CHARGE Syndrome.
CHARGE Syndrome is a disorder that can affect several areas of the body and can cause birth defects, as well as problems with the heart, esophagus, etc.
Jagger’s syndrome can cause a variety of physical issues, but the Nathans were under the impression that he would only be in the NICU at Children’s Nebraska for six to eight weeks.
However, he ended up staying for 548 days. Doctors were immediately concerned with Jagger’s heart issues, including a problem with his food and windpipes.
He had a hole in his heart, the left side was underdeveloped, and the pathway that allowed blood to flow from his heart to his body was small.
Jagger was quickly put on a breathing machine and given medications, and at first, doctors thought his chance of survival was very low.
Prostock-studio – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purposes only, not the actual child
But no one was ready to give up on him. Jagger underwent several surgeries during his 18-month stay in the NICU, including open heart surgeries.
Thankfully, after lots of research, surgeries, and days of anxiety, cardiothoracic surgeons were able to close the hole in Jagger’s heart and connect it to the lungs and body, resulting in proper circulation. After caring for him from head to toe, Jagger began to heal and become stronger.
Jagger celebrated his first birthday in the NICU and was visited by friends and family who wanted to show their support. That support, combined with the outstanding care of the hospital staff, helped Jagger heal.
This October, Torie and Justin were able to take Jagger home, and he received thunderous applause as he left the hospital with his parents.
“Jagger’s outcome is the pinnacle of teamwork,” said Dr. Ram Kumar Subramanyan, chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Children’s Nebraska, in an interview for their YouTube channel.
“Nothing defines teamwork better than Jagger’s outcome.”
We are so glad to see that Jagger was able to get home safely after his inspiring journey.
Sign up for Chip Chick’s newsletter and get stories like this delivered to your inbox.
More About:News