For the Petrie family, the gift of more time with their newborn Elaina was priceless. Immediately after Katie gave birth to her daughter in a suburban hospital, Elaina was rushed away in distress due to concerns of lack of oxygen. Before Katie was able to hold her daughter for the first time, she said goodbye and Elaina was transferred by ambulance and her medical team to Rush University Medical Center’s NICU. A few hours later, Katie and Bobby followed in their own ambulance for Katie’s admission as a patient at Rush Medical.

Once they arrived, they saw Elaina connected to monitors, IVs, and a cooling system, but they were able to hold her hand and talk to her. Following three days of improvement, Katie and Bobby were able to hold Elaina for the first time. The days that followed focused on feeding and cherishing small moments together with their newborn.

For a total of 9 days, Mom and Dad stayed an hour away from their home in order to maintain a constant presence at Elaina’s bedside in the NICU. They were present for every special moment: her first bottle, her first bath, and their first snuggles. Being able to be with Elaina when she needed her parents the most, without worrying about parking costs, made all the difference.

The Petries shared that, “the support of the Jackson Chance Foundation made an incredibly difficult beginning with Elaina just a little bit easier, and for that we are deeply grateful.”

This holiday season, we hope you will consider making a meaningful contribution to our mission. Every contribution guarantees a NICU family more moments together and more peace of mind, allowing them to focus on their baby during their time of need.