Mile 49
Iyla Welch. 1 year old. NICU graduate.
Mile Sponsor: Jackie Leonard
Baby Iyla Welch was born on February 29, 2024, in Monroe, Louisiana, after her mother, Morgan, developed preeclampsia late in pregnancy. Though initially appearing healthy, Iyla soon exhibited breathing difficulties due to a pneumothorax, leading to her transfer to the NICU. As her condition worsened, she was airlifted to Manning Family Children’s for advanced care.
At Manning Family Children’s, Iyla was diagnosed with Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN), a condition hindering oxygen flow in her lungs. Despite various treatments, her oxygen levels remained critically low, necessitating the use of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) to support her heart and lungs. After 12 days on ECMO, Iyla’s condition improved, but she faced additional challenges, including chylothorax, which required further interventions.
After a three-and-a-half-month stay in the NICU, Iyla was discharged on Father’s Day 2024. Now thriving, she shows no signs of her early health struggles and continues to meet developmental milestones with the help of physical and occupational therapy. Her parents credit the dedicated team at Manning Family Children’s for their daughter’s remarkable recovery.
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