Evelina Appeal: Tiny Lives campaign

The story so far
In 2007 the Evelina Appeal launched the Tiny Lives campaign to raise £1 million in two years for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Thanks to peopl like you we’ve already been able to pay for two new intensive care cots and two special care incubators.

But we still have some way to go
Every day, the babies cared for in the Neonatal Unit face the biggest challenges of their tiny lives. To give each and every premature baby the very best chance of survival takes intensive round-the clock skill and care for many months, together with very expensive hi-tech equipment.

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Twins Isla and Rosie were born three months early after mum Sarah went into premature labour. Sadly, Rosie did not survive. Isla was admitted immediately for intensive care to the Neonatal Unit. For the next 48 hours the medical team fought to stop Isla’s condition from deteriorating. Weighing less than 2lb (870 grams) at birth, Isla needed a ventilator to help her breathe and blood transfusions to correct a blood clotting problem. It was a very difficult few days for Isla’s mum and dad as she struggled to survive.

Doctors managed to stabilise Isla, but like many premature babies she developed chronic lung disease. A blood vessel that normally closes after birth stayed open, which caused extra fluid to build up on her lungs making it even harder for her to breathe. Fortunately, medication eased this.

Slowly, Isla’s condition gradually improved. After two weeks she was taken off the ventilator and, with the help of a CPAP machine to gently inflate her lungs, she could breathe on her own. Even better, at nine weeks old, she was able to breathe without support but needed extra oxygen because of the lung disease.

Finally, after 13 long weeks, the exciting day came when Isla’s parents were able to take her home. By then her weight had more than doubled and she could breast feed, but she still needed the extra oxygen support. Today Isla is a lively and healthy baby with much to look forward to.

If you want to help babies like Isla then please help us today. Make your secure donation here »