For Jessica Stevens and Matt Peacock, the doctors, nurses and staff at The Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Sacred Heart became a part of their family during the scariest time of their lives. Having a child in the NICU can be an emotional rollercoaster. “Some days you take one step forward only to take 12 back,” Jessica says.
“We were at Sacred Heart for so long that we considered the hospital our home away from home,” she says. “You quickly form a special bond with the people who are working tirelessly to bring your baby home.”
When Jessica was 30 weeks pregnant, she was diagnosed with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), a condition that can prevent a fetus from receiving the nutrients it needs to grow and develop at a normal rate, leading to low birth weight. To help improve circulation to her baby, Jessica was placed on bedrest for six weeks.
Before John Matthew was born, Jessica and Matt toured the NICU at The Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Sacred Heart. “It gave us peace of mind to visit the place he would call home for the first two weeks of his life,” she says. “He was born May 14, 2015, weighing only four pounds.”
A year after her son was born, Jessica received information from Sacred Heart Foundation about the Preemie Cup Regatta, a yearly event that supports the NICU. “When I received that email, it hit so close to home,” says Jessica, who is now a member of the Preemie Cup Committee. “I saw it as the perfect opportunity to give back to the place and people who did so much for our family.”
Now 2 years old, John Matthew is small for his age, but he continues to excel and meet developmental milestones, Jessica says.
Join us in making miracles happen by donating to our new hospital. Please call the Sacred Heart Foundation at 850-416-4660 or visit SupportSacredHeart.org.