Sanford Helps Unite Bismarck Family

by Ashley Kringen, Reporter
December 10, 2012 9:29 PM


On Monday, a mom and her newborn received their Christmas wish early; they flew to their home in Bismarck, from Sioux Falls, after being at Sanford Hospital since August.

It’s been quite the roller coaster for the Weigels, first, Nichole and her family celebrated her pregnancy, and then, they feared for the safety of their baby Mya.
    
Doctors had to perform an emergency delivery when Nichole was just 28 weeks pregnant.

"Thank God everyday that she's with us," said Weigel.

As Nichole rocked her baby Mya, who is just 15 weeks old, she recalled her doctor’s appointment on August 21st in Sioux Falls.

Mya wasn't growing and she was experiencing abnormal blood flow, the doctor said Nichole needed an emergency c-section at just 28 weeks pregnant.

"We were very scared because they told us it was kind of a 50/50 chance because she was so small," said Weigel.

Mya came into this world weighing one pound, three ounces and growing.

"The most precious thing. She's our miracle, that's for sure," said Weigel.

After months in the hospital, Nichole and baby Mya got the clear to go home, but with Mya still under strict care, she had to travel by plane, an expensive task.

Sanford Hospital surprised the mother and daughter and covered their flight expenses, so they could travel back to Bismark, where Mya could continue her hospital care, and both be close to their loved ones.

"It's been a long wait. Awesome. It's the best feeling. Best feeling in the world to have her home for Christmas. Don't have to do the commute, the drive back and forth. It's a good day," said Jermaine, father of Mya.

"Better since my mom's finally back,that she's finally here," said Jayce, brother to Mya.

Nichole said she's been patiently waiting for this day to come, for her and Mya to unite with their family.

"Our goal was Thanksgiving, but since that's gone, it's Christmas that was kind of our wish that we'd all be in one spot," said Weigel.

Their wish, came true.

The family will most likely be celebrating Christmas at the NICU in Bismarck with baby Mya, but she has shown lots of progress, as of Monday, she weighed five pounds.