Baby Izzy
Donation protected
Izzy's Story
When Izzy’s parents, Bob and Angela Morse of Westerville, Ohio, were expecting their second little girl, they were told by doctors that their baby had congenital diaphragmatic hernia, also known as CDH. They were informed that only 50% of babies born with this defect survive. CDH affects 1 in 2500 babies born (1600 cases in the U.S. annually). Needless to say Bob and Angela were shocked and devastated. Determined to learn more to see what could be done to help their baby, they began researching. They were grateful to have learned that Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Johns Hopkins Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida had CDH programs. Thanks to the outpouring of support and help from other CDH families, they settled on Johns Hopkins, which the Morse’s say is one of THE BEST decisions they ever made.
The Morse’s temporarily relocated to Florida late last November, expecting to stay for three to four months after Isabella was born. Isabella was born prematurely, which only added to the challenge. But with strong faith, the Morse family pressed on knowing they were in the best hands possible with Dr. Kay and the incredibly skilled and compassionate team who painstakingly worked over the course of 271 days – and in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic - to save Izzy’s life.
Isabella was born on December 12, 2019. In addition to CDH, Izzy also suffered from a heart defect that required open heart surgery after the surgery to correct her diaphragm. All of this in a premature infant. And, because Izzy’s little lungs didn’t develop normally, she remained on ECMO (life support) for 91 days to allow her to breathe. Dr. Kay said in all of the cases he has seen with babies on ECMO for that long, the prognosis was very poor. Until he met Izzy.
NBC 4 in Columbus, recently interviewed the Morse’s in honor of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) month. View the amazing story at https://www.nbc4i.com/news/local-news/after-270-days-in-the-hospital-westerville-baby-born-with-heart-defect-could-go-home-this-month
Through all of the surgeries and multiple infections, Izzy proved to be an amazing fighter. She is a force to be reckoned with at only 9 months old. However, Izzy and her family still face additional hurdles – both financially and medically - as they transition back home to Westerville. More doctor appointments. Quarantining. Continually trying to keep both of their girls safe and healthy.
As a community, we hope you will join us in support of Izzy and her family. As her neighbors who love her, we truly believe that with everything Izzy has conquered, she is destined to do great things in life.
When Izzy’s parents, Bob and Angela Morse of Westerville, Ohio, were expecting their second little girl, they were told by doctors that their baby had congenital diaphragmatic hernia, also known as CDH. They were informed that only 50% of babies born with this defect survive. CDH affects 1 in 2500 babies born (1600 cases in the U.S. annually). Needless to say Bob and Angela were shocked and devastated. Determined to learn more to see what could be done to help their baby, they began researching. They were grateful to have learned that Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Johns Hopkins Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida had CDH programs. Thanks to the outpouring of support and help from other CDH families, they settled on Johns Hopkins, which the Morse’s say is one of THE BEST decisions they ever made.
The Morse’s temporarily relocated to Florida late last November, expecting to stay for three to four months after Isabella was born. Isabella was born prematurely, which only added to the challenge. But with strong faith, the Morse family pressed on knowing they were in the best hands possible with Dr. Kay and the incredibly skilled and compassionate team who painstakingly worked over the course of 271 days – and in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic - to save Izzy’s life.
Isabella was born on December 12, 2019. In addition to CDH, Izzy also suffered from a heart defect that required open heart surgery after the surgery to correct her diaphragm. All of this in a premature infant. And, because Izzy’s little lungs didn’t develop normally, she remained on ECMO (life support) for 91 days to allow her to breathe. Dr. Kay said in all of the cases he has seen with babies on ECMO for that long, the prognosis was very poor. Until he met Izzy.
NBC 4 in Columbus, recently interviewed the Morse’s in honor of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) month. View the amazing story at https://www.nbc4i.com/news/local-news/after-270-days-in-the-hospital-westerville-baby-born-with-heart-defect-could-go-home-this-month
Through all of the surgeries and multiple infections, Izzy proved to be an amazing fighter. She is a force to be reckoned with at only 9 months old. However, Izzy and her family still face additional hurdles – both financially and medically - as they transition back home to Westerville. More doctor appointments. Quarantining. Continually trying to keep both of their girls safe and healthy.
As a community, we hope you will join us in support of Izzy and her family. As her neighbors who love her, we truly believe that with everything Izzy has conquered, she is destined to do great things in life.
Organizer
Misty Sutton
Organizer
Galena, OH