Mary Katherine McQueary

Dear Family and Friends,

 

Many of you have been on this journey with us since Mary Katherine’s birth on April 13 of this year and for that we are eternally grateful for your support and prayers.  For those who may not know how our story began on April 13 at KennestoneHospital and is now continuing at Scottish Rite, I would just like to share how our story has unfolded.  

 

Mary Katherine was born prematurely on April 13 at 26 weeks, weighing 1 lb, 9 oz.  She spent just under four months in the Kennestone NICU where she received the best care and her mother, father and sometimes a sibling were able to visit.  Mom was even able to hold her every day, a big contribution to her well being.  The biggest problems Mary Katherine faced at this time were her premature lungs and heart problem common in preemies, a valve that normally closes with full term babies but remains open with premature births.  With the help of the wonderful staff at Kennestone she grew stronger each day and was able to go to Egleston for heart surgery to close the valve.  After 3 days of recovery at Egleston she went back to the NICU at Kennestone.  Not long after that she was discharged to go home with mom, dad and her brothers and sister.  

 

Unfortunately, her stay at home was short lived because she soon caught a cold virus which for a preemie with underdeveloped lungs quickly turns critical.  She was admitted to the Pediatric ICU at Scottish Rite on Saturday, August 13 (exactly 4 months old) where she is today.  After more than 2 weeks in Scottish Rite, she continues to be listed as critical due to the severity of her premature diseased lungs.  She is on an oscillating ventilator because she is much too weak to breathe on her own.  She has good days and then not so good days where the stress on her little body sends her heart rate up and her oxygen saturation levels way down.  But she is quite a fighter through it all and makes improvements every day.  

 

We will keep you updated on how our little girl is doing and want to let you know how much we appreciate your prayers and support throughout this journey.  Without your help and the presence of our loving God, the load would be unbearable.  But we are leaning on our faith every day and feel the power of your prayers in every step forward that Mary Katherine takes.  

 

God bless,

Katherine, John

Michael, Ephraim and Lydia