Zariah's Fight For Life

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l14MBWFz5Pw

Meet little Zariah Donovan who was born September 13th, 2015.

Zariah's story began with preterm labor at 23 weeks and 3 days. At each medical facility, the providers continually stressed that Zariah was not considered viable and strongly advised against full medical intervention. After being transferred to 3 different facilities, Zariah entered the world at 23 weeks and 6 days, weighing 1lb 6oz. At this gestational age, we were given a 15% chance of survival. There would be a high probability of blindness, hearing loss, physical impairment, cognitive impairment, Cerebral Palsy, increased infection risk, brain bleeds, and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).

Our NICU journey has been a roller coaster. Our little fighter has endured and conquered many trials over the last 3 years. She has triumphed over heart surgery at 3 weeks of age, pneumonias, 12 blood transfusions, sepsis, and lung collapse. Throughout our journey, we have been told countless times that she was not going to make it. In April 2016, we were informed that Zariah had the worst case of Chronic Lung Disease the hospital had seen and her chance of survival was 0%.

After being given no chance of survival in Utah, we chose to give Zariah every opportunity to thrive. Zariah & Dad transferred to Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. This 1,700 mile move gave Zariah a 96% chance of survival. Zariah went from a medically paralyzed and sedated baby to a Smiling, Interactive, and Thriving child!

Zariah has come so far, but still has many challenges to overcome. She has oral aversion from being intubated for 6 months. She becomes agitated and gags at everything near her mouth. Zariah is working on taking steps and walking! Our future holds extensive Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Physical Therapy.
 
Funds raised will go towards Zariah's medical bills, additional therapies that Zariah will need, and will go towards converting our house into a Home NICU for Zariah. Please help our Miracle continue to thrive.

Zariah's strength and perseverance has been life changing to so many! We are so blessed to call her our daughter. Her light and strength lifts us up during the unbearable moments. She has reminded us to treasure and celebrate every moment! We know she will able to overcome these developmental challenges with the help of OT, PT, and speech therapy. We know in our heart that she can overcome anything! We continue to witness miracles daily.

Please pray for our Zariah! Please pray for healthy lung tissue! Please pray for continued milestones! After being in the NICU for over 3 years, please help us get Zariah strong enough to be able to come home! Join us and get in the corner as we fight daily to ensure this beautiful baby girl gets to experience all that this beautiful world has to offer.