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| Do you know a very special baby who has come into the world against all odds? It could be pregnancy complications, years trying to conceive or a premature birth. We want to recognise a baby who ultimately overcame all challenges and is now a thriving, healthy little boy or girl (age 0-12 months).
Our 2011 Baby Story of the Year winner is Alice Black. Here is her story: Alice Black’s story began when mum Marie was 22 weeks pregnant. During a routine scan the Blacks were informed that their unborn child had a brain abnormality: she had a fluid build-up where brain tissue should be developing. Alice’s condition was diagnosed as terminal, and parents Niall and Marie were informed that their baby wouldn’t survive the pregnancy and if she did, she would be severely mentally and physically disabled and would not live for long. In July of this year, baby Alice was delivered by Caesarean section because her head was so enlarged that Marie’s health was at serious risk and she could not have a natural birth. Medical staff had to drain the fluid from Alice’s brain before she could be born – a procedure which her parents were told she would not survive. Miraculously, Alice survived the birth and was given just 24 to 48 hours to live. Alice once again defied all odds, however, as she surpassed the 48-hour mark and was sent home after five days to pass away at home. Despite her condition, Alice was thriving like any newborn should, prompting her doctors to intervene at three weeks by placing a shunt in her brain to drain excess fluid back into the rest of her body. The surgery was a huge success, and Alice is now over four-months-old! She sucks and rasps, gurgles and smiles like any baby should. She has full use of her arms and legs, and sleeps through the night! Alice’s record of defying the odds throughout her life to date has left her dad with “the unshakeable belief that only Alice will decide where we go from here.” |
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