Nevaeh’s Road to Recovery

Hello, my name Chanel Sulphur. Lucky enough to call Stephanie Matousek (Jetty) family along with her husband Michael Matousek; a long time close friend. I am writing this in hopes to raise money to relieve financial stress in an already unimaginable situation.

A healthy pregnancy alongside a healthy family is what any family dreams of and Steph and Mike were lucky to have both. But on July 31, 2023, their worlds were turned upside down following the birth of their newest baby.

Steph was due July 24, 2023 but was measuring 4 weeks ahead so doctors knew the baby was going to be on the bigger side. Baby was being stubborn and past the due date so finally on the morning of July 31, Steph was induced. Fast forward many contractions and no signs of distress, Steph was ready to push.

1.5 hours later, the baby was not descending past her head and was stuck and showing no signs of life so a Code Blue was called. A very traumatic entry into the world, Nevaeh Brooklynn Matousek was born at 7:45pm weighing 11lbs 7oz, not breathing nor a heart beat.

After 10 minutes of CPR, the amazing medical team was able to revive her. Nevaeh also suffered a broken arm during delivery as well as severe bruising throughout her body. In hopes of being transferred to a higher level of care for extensive monitoring, the Infant Rapid Transport Team was unfortunately unavailable.

On Tuesday, Aug 1, Steph and Nevaeh were transferred by ambulance from Shuswap Lake General Hospital to the NICU at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops. A blood test determined Nevaeh has a Staph infection in her blood. Nevaeh then received a Spinal Tap procedure to see if the infection had spread to her brain. MANY hours and attempts for an IV later, the only access point gained was through her umbilical cord. The Doctors later learned that was the source of the infection, therefore finding an alternative IV access point was crucial. Nevaeh is dependant on getting fluids, glucose and antibiotics (for 14 days) via IV to continue her road to recovery.

Because they thought Nevaeh was going to come early, Mike has now been off work for 4 weeks. With no return date in sight, financial stress is the absolute last thing the Matousek’s need. Knowing that Steph and Mike are the last people to ask for help, please understand if you cannot help financially, a prayer or a share of this post means just as much. Any funds not used by the family will be donated to the RIH NICU.

Aug 2, 2023 - Nevaeh’s nurses tried to place an IV but it was unsuccessful. She slept most of the day and is feeding well.

Aug 3, 2023 - Nevaeh’s medical team tried to get an IV placed via guided ultrasound which was unsuccessful.

Aug 4, 2023 - At this point Nevaeh’s medical team has now grown with a neurologist and Infection Control physician. They are working hard to figure out if the only option to get an IV in Nevaeh is a PICC line that is only done at Vancouver Children’s Hospital. They are going to try this Sunday august 6th to replace the line through her umbilical cord to go through her belly button. We have high hopes that this will work and the duration of her treatment can be completed in Kamloops. However if this is unsuccessful Nevaeh will be air lifted on Monday to Vancouver Children's Hospital.