Brightening lives… and warming hearts!
Jakob's Story

On July 11, Jakob surprised his parents, Shelley and Tim, by arriving a little early. 

Born at 26 weeks, he weighed only 2 lbs. Within seconds of his birth, Jakob was intubated by the neonatal resuscitation team, and moved into the neonatal intensive care unit where he made his home for the first three months of his life. 

During that time, Jakob’s breathing was supported by a variety of ventilators as he grew stronger. 

Under-developed lungs is one of the most common and immediate problems facing premature infants like Jakob.  Fortunately, ventilators are available to help these tiny patients breathe.  A ventilator uses pressure to blow air or a mixture of other gases (like oxygen and air) into the lungs.

Due to his prematurity Jakob has dealt with a number of other medical challenges, including an open heart valve, two blood transfusions, bleeding on his brain both on the right and left side, and retinopathy of prematurity.

His parents, Shelley and Tim have remained pillars of strength- in spite of experiencing a roller coaster of emotions and many sleepless nights. 

And they are incredibly grateful for the care and support they have received at St. Joseph’s. “The care has been absolutely fabulous,” says Tim.  “Dr. Roukema and his team always provided updates about Jakob in clear and understandable language, and his team offered us great hope.”

“Jakob’s primary care nurse Margaret Booth took such a special interest in him,” says Shelley, “even when she was on holidays, she would call us to see how he was doing.”

In early September, Jakob was moved to the Neonatal Progressive Care Unit (NPCU).  The final step came one month later when Shelley and Jakob were moved to the Care By Parent Unit. Two weeks later, Jakob was able to go home and settle in with his mom and dad just in time for Thanksgiving. 

With the early support of ventilators and the tremendous dedication of the neonatal team, Jakob is on his way.  More than 230 newborns receive assistance through ventilators at St. Joseph’s each year. 

New ventilators are just one of the projects that will be supported through St. Joseph’s 2009 Season of Celebration Campaign. 
Donate to Season of Celebration Online
or by calling the Light Line at 519-646-6085

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