Ariana Warrior Princess

Nina and I were happily expecting the birth of our 2nd child.  About 2 weeks before delivery we were told that our baby had a high probability of being born with Esophageal Atresia (EA, a gap in her esophagus).  Based on this they had us deliver at another hospital, Providence St. Vincent in Portland.

At 39 weeks, on August 26th Nina had a great and quick delivery but our baby girl did indeed have Esophageal Atresia.  Luckily she did not have any other genetic problems or fistulas that are very common with EA.

We named her Ariana Jo.  Ariana, is a version of the Orthodox Saint name Arianda and means Holy One.  Her middle name was chosen after Grandma Stephanie’s middle name.

We researched several techniques that would provide Ariana with the best alternative for a life long solution and using her own esophagus if possible seems to be the best answer.  Our Portland surgeon, attempted the Foker Procedure in 3 surgeries  but was not able to achieve anything.

By this time, we had been doing more research on the subject and found that the Children’s Hospital of Boston has the only Esophageal Atresia program in the World and Dr. Foker who invented the procedure is still involved in the program.  We pursued getting a medical flight for Ariana and Nina and after a few weeks and our surgeon being a great advocate was able to make it happen.

After 2 months in the NICU in Portland, she was airlifted in a private Lear Jet with Nina to Boston.  Matt and Ella joined them on Tuesday.  Many thanks to our friends and neighbors for the rides to the airport, watching the house, and helping out with Ella.

It’s been whirlwind here and very busy trying to manage everything but we’ll all get through this tough time.

Love,
Matt, Nina, JuneBug and Ariana Warrior Princess