Memorial Fund Supports NICU MOMS

In fall 2020, Erin and her husband, Russell, were eagerly awaiting the birth of their twins when Erin experienced severe preeclampsia, a high blood pressure disorder.

Doctors performed an emergency cesarean section 30 weeks into Erin’s pregnancy. Charlotte, 3 pounds, and Olivia, 2 pounds, came into the world at Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center and went to its Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). “They were so tiny, so fragile, but they seemed to be doing pretty well,” said Erin.

At 20 days, Olivia became ill from an infection. She was intubated and given high doses of antibiotics, but her tiny body couldn’t fight.

“On Nov. 21, Olivia passed as I was holding her.” 

Charlotte also contracted the infection but improved. Through tears, Erin insisted, “Olivia saved Charlotte’s life. That’s how we think of it. If doctors hadn’t known about the infection in Olivia, they would not have thought to put Charlotte on medication. Charlotte may not have made it, either.” But she did. Now, Charlotte is a thriving preschooler. And last July, Erin and Russell welcomed a baby boy into the family.

Now, Olivia is helping new moms and their babies at Shady Grove. Erin and Russell set up a memorial fund in Olivia’s honor and bought 22 breastfeeding pillows for the NICU with the money raised. “The pillows are our way of saying thank you,” explained Erin.

“Every single person who took care of me and took care of our babies poured their heart and soul into giving us the support we needed anytime we needed it.”

“I wish I could remember all their names. When you’re in that situation, it’s hard to focus on any one person, but I can tell you that we were surrounded by love every minute we were in the hospital and even after we left.”