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Meet Nora

Hometown: Columbus, Ohio

Age: 2 years old

Diagnosis: Intestinal Malrotation

Nora was born unexpectedly at 30 weeks, after an ultrasound revealed that her mother had incredibly low amniotic fluid. Nora was born within 30 minutes of that ultrasound and immediately taken to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). 

Nora was a fighter, weighing only 2Ibs 11oz, she had a very good first week in the NICU. However, at seven days old, her nurse noticed that she was unable to keep milk down and was spitting up excessively. Her physician completed some X-rays and she was transferred to Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Nora needed emergency surgery for a malrotation of the bowel.

Intestinal malrotation happens when a baby’s intestinal tract doesn’t form as it should during pregnancy. Malrotation happens when a baby’s intestine doesn’t turn like it should. This can cause an intestinal blockage and cut off blood flow to the intestine.

Right before her surgery, Nora was down to 2lbs 5oz. Nora’s mother Britta, says, “This was one of the scariest moments of our entire lives. We struggled to even leave her in the surgery prep area. We distracted ourselves by calling family to update them on the surgery. When the doctor came out to share how successful the surgery was, we broke down in tears of happiness.”

Near the end of her time in the NICU, Nora was having many bradycardia episodes, meaning her heart rate was slower than 60 beats per minute. This required Nora to stay longer and she spent a total of 47 days in the NICU. 

When you ask Britta what Nationwide Children's Hospital means to her, she says, “Nationwide Children's means so much to our family. They helped us understand what having a preemie meant and how to care for her. The staff helped us through so many tough days and nights - and truly every staff member. Doctors and nurses were always available for questions. Staff members checked in on us and Nora regularly. Even the baristas at the coffee shop and the man helping with parking would ask how everything was going and when we might get to go home. It felt like family.”

Nora is a typical toddler. She loves Daniel Tiger and Sesame Street, playing with her dog, Carmen, and taking her on walks. She loves reading books and spending time with her family. 

Nora is a little shy around new people she meets, but once she warms up, she will be your new best friend. Nora looks forward to encouraging all who participate in the Meaningful Miles Challenge in 2020 and can’t wait to make some new friends along her mile next year during the Marathon!