Supporting Simon: One Little Boy’s Fight for Survival
In spite of all our planning, nothing is ever certain in pregnancy and childbirth. For instance, only 5 percent of all babies are born on their actual due date. Most, however, are born sometime between 38 and 42 weeks.
Sometimes, nature sends us a real shock. On July 28, 2008, a dear online friend of mine, Mysti, gave birth to a beautiful baby boy; Simon Gabriel’s actual due date was this November.
With Mysti due a month after me, we both had expectations of going through our pregnancy together. “It’s so strange,” she said to me a few days after Simon was born, “that I’m not pregnant anymore.”
Simon was delivered, via emergency c-section, at 24 weeks, 1 day gestation, just barely making the cut-off date for having a chance of survival outside the womb. He weighed 1 lb., 7 ounces and measured 12 inches long. To offer perspective on picturing someone that small, Simon?s entire hand is about the size of his mom?s thumbnail.
Mysti, Simon and the rest of their family, which includes Simon’s dad Rob, and his brother, four-year-old Jaden, have a challenging road ahead. But little Simon is a fighter.
He is fortunate to be in one of the top NICU facilities in the country, located in Denver. Unfortunately, the hospital is approximately 2 hours from Mysti’s Wyoming home. Amongst the other challenges of keeping Simon alive and growing, fixing the hole in his heart and giving him every advantage he will need to grow up big and strong. The family is facing tremendous financial and logistical difficulties with the distance between them and Simon.
Gas prices for the two hour trip are bad enough, but, beyond that, their hope is to be able to stay together as a family while Simon is in NICU this means re-locating to the area during his stay. They have found housing a few short blocks from the hospital, and hope to raise $6,000 to make the move possible.
On her Web site, TheEchoofOne, Mysti wrote: “We want to be there for Simon each and every day while balancing the care and needs of our four-year-old too. If we are able to reach our goal, Jaden (4) will be going with us. There won’t be a day that goes by where both of our son’s will have to miss time with both parents.”
Perhaps it is because our pregnancies, until recently, were so close together, or maybe just because Mysti is a wonderful, giving person herself, her situation has touched me deeply. I felt at a loss of what to do until I realized the best thing I can do is give what I can and, more importantly, help spread the word about her and Simon’s cause.
No one can tell Simon’s story the same way Mysti can. It’s a story of love and inspiration. Simon proves that, whatever your hardships, you are never too small to fight. Please check out their story here.
If you?re moved to donate, you can click on the link “Supporting Simon” to make a donation through Paypal. Whatever you can do, please take a moment to pray or send the Universe some positive thoughts for Simon?s growth and progress.
Mary Green says...
Hey just want to let you know the link does not work. I would love to help with any web promotion for Simon, and I will make a donation very soon. Please email me if I can be of any assistance.
Mary Greens last blog post..More Success?
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Mysti says...
It is a heart breaking and amazing experience to watch your child develop outside. The struggles are immense. I find myself between two extremes each day that I spend with Simon; thrilled that he has come thus far yet devastated that sustaining his life inside was no longer an option. He has been an amazing fighter since resuscitation following his birth. With how he fights I can’t imagine fighting any less. Each day Simon puts forth 150% to make it to the next. As stated, Simon’s medical history is complicated and while he is in stable condition his life requires support by machines and medications at this point.
The road is long, even after discharge. I feel thoroughly blessed to have our Champ each and every day that he is with us. Simon is our miracle and while we wish circumstances were different throughout my pregnancy, we accept the challenge with open arms. Children are a blessing like no other. Simon is no exception.
Thank you, Dawn. I was brought to tears tonight as I read your post.
Mystis last blog post..My Little Man
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Dawn says...
Mary,
Thank you so much for your support. Mysti said she’s been having problems with the direct Paypal link since she put it up, but this link http://theechoofone.com/simon.html will take you to her site, where you can click on the picture of Simon and that will take you to the PayPal page. Ditto at Mysti’s site, where you can click the words “Supporting Simon” to donate.
If anyone has any problems/questions please feel free to e-mail me at DawnAllcot(@)gmail.com.
Mysti,
Thank you for visiting, and for sharing more of the details of your story with BOL visitors. You know I will do everything I can, including keeping Simon in my constant prayers.
Dawns last blog post..The Bunko Babes, A Review
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Rebecca Laffar-Smith says...
I loved the way you’ve shared Mysti and Simon’s story here, Dawn. Simon is such a precious bundle and thanks to Mysti’s willingness to share their journey he’s becoming a precious, loved, being for so many of us across the world. We are with you all, every step of the way.
Rebecca Laffar-Smiths last blog post..Site Review: Writelink [Guest Post by Jean Knill]
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