Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/128836
Elise Williams, who was just over two pounds when she first arrived in BC Women's Newborn ICU, has grown into a happy, healthy little girl. Band Aid for Babies One couple expressed their gratitude to the Newborn Icu by hosting a musical event to benefit BC Women's. By Gail Johnson PHOTOGRAPHY BY CLAUDETTE CARRACEDO W hen Laura Williams woke up with severe abdominal cramping one morning in May 2010, she and her husband, Greg, went straight to the hospital. Just five months pregnant, Laura was shocked to discover she was in labour. Two hours later, she gave birth to the couple's daughter, Elise. Born at 25 weeks gestation, she weighed just over two pounds. Although Elise appeared healthy, doctors transferred the tiny preemie to BC's Women's Hospital's Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for the highly specialized care they knew she'd need. It proved a life-saving decision. Tense moments At less than a week old, Elise developed a life-threatening bacterial infection that causes intestinal tissue to die. Over the next few months, she would undergo four delicate abdominal surgeries as well as one heart procedure. "I was astonished they could operate on someone that tiny," says Greg. "It was an amazing thing to see the nurses, doctors and surgeons so used to dealing with extremely premature babies. It was very reassuring." Today, Elise is a healthy, happy preschooler and big sister to Edward. However, her parents have never forgotten the care she received at BC Women's. UK ROCKS Last fall, Greg, who plays keyboards and guitar in local bands (when he's not working in human resources), recruited several of his friends to put on UK Rocks, a special night of music and dancing at a downtown venue as a way to give back. Greg and his friends performed songs by acts like the Cult, the Cure, and Pink Floyd. Meanwhile, Laura coordinated a silent auction. Together they raised more than $4,000 for BC Women's NICU. "After having a baby in the NICU, you want to do all you can for the next baby that comes along," says Laura. "This event was our way to say thank you to everyone on that ward for saving our daughter's life." SPRING 2013 WOMEN'S 13 BCW-Spring 2013.indd 13 13-04-30 11:52 AM