Three times the love
Sherry and Graydon Bell of Wahpeton, N.D., knew they might be in for a challenge. Two weeks into their pregnancy, they learned they'd have triplets. At 17 weeks, Sherry started having labor pains, prompting 15 weeks of strict bed rest and medication to control contractions.
"Had it not been for the wonderful care they received, we wouldn't be where we are today."
Sherry Bell
Eight weeks early, on Dec. 22, 1999, baby daughters Alexis, Brianna and Carlie arrived at MeritCare Family Birth Center in Fargo. They were immediately transferred to the nearby Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) within MeritCare Children's Hospital. Here they were able to get the specialized care needed to get them through those early critical weeks. Each of the three babies weighed between 3 and 4 pounds, and each had her own team of neonatologists (specialists in the care of sick infants), specially-trained nurses, respiratory therapists and other professionals.
"Even before the girls were born, we visited MeritCare Children's Hospital and got a look at the NICU. We were overwhelmed," says Sherry. "You hope you never need it, but if you do, it's the best place in the world."
Ready for the unexpected
The girls needed the NICU for several reasons including digestive problems and episodes of dropping heart rates. But perhaps most critical of all was a rare blood disorder two of the girls were diagnosed with called alloimmune neutropenia, in which the white blood cell count is dangerously low. White blood cells are important because they fight off infections.
"That was an unexpected problem, and we were so grateful there was somebody there who knew what it was and how to treat it," says Sherry. Pediatric oncologist/hematologist Dr. Nathan Kobrinsky, one of several pediatric specialists at MeritCare Children's Hospital, put the girls on a medication typically used in cancer patients. The medication stimulates the growth of white blood cells.
"Within one day we would know if the medication would work, and we were so relieved when it did," Sherry says. "That was probably the most stressful time, but the doctors and nurses were great at keeping us informed. You don't realize how much that helps until you're in the situation."
After five weeks, the triplets were able to go home. "When we left that day, we had tears in our eyes and hugs at the door from the people who took such good care of our beautiful little girls," says Sherry. "The staff there became friends we will forever hold close to our hearts."
Today, at age 4, the girls are doing great and now have a little sister, Madison. The Bell family comes to Fargo often, and one of their frequent stops is the NICU at MeritCare Children's Hospital. "We want the girls to know where they got their start," says Sherry. "Had it not been for the wonderful care they received, we wouldn't be where we are today."
For more information about MeritCare Children's Hospital visit children.meritcare.com or call (701) 234-2000 or (800) 437-4010.
Making a difference
North Dakota's only children's hospital prepares for the future
The Bell family is one of many in the region who have benefited from the availability of a children's hospital in Fargo – the only one in North Dakota. And in the next one to two years, MeritCare Children's Hospital will undergo a complete renovation, expanding from 15,200 to 23,500 square feet.
Designed specifically to meet the special needs of children and their families, the "new" Children's Hospital will include:
- A child-friendly environment including medical equipment that's hidden from view, yet easily accessible.
- A fantasy village interior design theme that will engage and entertain children.
- An expanded Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and private rooms throughout MeritCare Children's Hospital.
- Five rooms specially designed for children with cancer. These rooms will have high-tech ventilation systems to protect children whose immune systems are compromised due to cancer treatment.
"This facility will enable us to continue to recruit top-notch staff, including nurses and pediatric specialists, but I think what excites me most is what this will do for families," says MeritCare Children's Hospital medical director and pediatrician Dr. Ron Miller. "We'll have enough space for parents to comfortably stay in the same room with their children – a real plus when it comes to healing. In short, we'll have a 21st century facility that supports family-centered care."
Dr. Miller stresses that even though the renovation over the next couple years may cause some disruption, the high level of care MeritCare Children's Hospital is known for will not be compromised. "First and foremost, care for kids is the top priority," he says. "It always has been and it always will be."
A $4 million fundraising campaign will make the renovation possible. The total cost will be funded entirely through philanthropic gifts. If you would like to learn more about how you can contribute, contact the MeritCare Foundation at (701) 234-6246 or (800) 437-4010 or visit foundation.meritcare.com.
Return to Front Page of Valley Health Journal.
Do you have comments or suggestions for Valley Health Journal? Email us.