When expectant mother Molly Isaak had an anatomy scan at eighteen-and-a-half weeks, it was discovered her still-developing son, River, had a defect in his abdominal wall and part of his intestinal tract was exposed.
She had been referred to SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital by her obstetrician in Breeze, Illinois. Despite the outstanding reputation of the hospital and its doctors and staff, it was only natural for Molly to be nervous and scared when she first received the diagnosis. “It was tough, no one expects anything to go wrong with your pregnancy and then it does and it really rocks your world,” she said.
Thanks to the attention and compassion of her doctors and the many nurses who helped care for both Mom and the son she was carrying, Molly did all she could to remain positive throughout the entire process leading up to his birth. “My greatest fear was at every single ultrasound I had. I was so scared part of his bowel would die off, or there would be something else wrong.”
Once River was born, SSM Health Cardinal Glennon became her second home for a while. “I put my baby in their hands, and I knew I could trust the doctors with everything. I cried, I laughed, I prayed. The nurses became some of my best friends, and I looked forward to seeing the doctors every day for an update. I have never felt so at home while not being at home.”
SLUCare pediatric surgeon Dr. Colleen Fitzpatrick performed the operation on River’s abdomen, and once that was successfully completed, all his mother could do was remain patient and positive. “I always waited for the day when the doctors would come in and say you’re going home. It’s tough when they don’t, but staying hopeful and optimistic is the key. Have faith in yourself, God and the staff. Babies are the most resilient.”
River is now a healthy one-year-old boy who loves to laugh and play on the floor with his toys. As Molly puts it, ”I love watching him grow and learn, and just to know that he is a part of you is such an amazing feeling.”
And how does she feel about the “second home” they shared for a while? “People always ask me what children’s hospital I would recommend, and without taking a breath, it’s always Glennon.”
She had been referred to SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital by her obstetrician in Breeze, Illinois. Despite the outstanding reputation of the hospital and its doctors and staff, it was only natural for Molly to be nervous and scared when she first received the diagnosis. “It was tough, no one expects anything to go wrong with your pregnancy and then it does and it really rocks your world,” she said.
Thanks to the attention and compassion of her doctors and the many nurses who helped care for both Mom and the son she was carrying, Molly did all she could to remain positive throughout the entire process leading up to his birth. “My greatest fear was at every single ultrasound I had. I was so scared part of his bowel would die off, or there would be something else wrong.”
Once River was born, SSM Health Cardinal Glennon became her second home for a while. “I put my baby in their hands, and I knew I could trust the doctors with everything. I cried, I laughed, I prayed. The nurses became some of my best friends, and I looked forward to seeing the doctors every day for an update. I have never felt so at home while not being at home.”
SLUCare pediatric surgeon Dr. Colleen Fitzpatrick performed the operation on River’s abdomen, and once that was successfully completed, all his mother could do was remain patient and positive. “I always waited for the day when the doctors would come in and say you’re going home. It’s tough when they don’t, but staying hopeful and optimistic is the key. Have faith in yourself, God and the staff. Babies are the most resilient.”
River is now a healthy one-year-old boy who loves to laugh and play on the floor with his toys. As Molly puts it, ”I love watching him grow and learn, and just to know that he is a part of you is such an amazing feeling.”
And how does she feel about the “second home” they shared for a while? “People always ask me what children’s hospital I would recommend, and without taking a breath, it’s always Glennon.”
