From the very beginning of Ellie’s medical journey, she was defying the odds.
Ellie’s mother, Jennifer, found herself unexpectedly relying on the services of UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital, the very place she had worked for four years. As an employee, she never could have imagined the pivotal role it would play in her daughter’s story of resilience.
At only 25 weeks pregnant, Jennifer experienced complications that led to Ellie’s early delivery. Born as a “micro-preemie,” she weighed just 1 pound and 3 ounces.
“No one ever expects to have a micro-preemie,” Zimmerman said. “It’s not part of any birth plan or what anyone dreams of when you find out you are pregnant.”
Because of her early entry, Ellie developed bronchopulmonary dysplasia, a condition that affects the airways of the lungs, as well as a feeding aversion due to being intubated for a prolonged period of time.
After 130 days in the neonatal intensive care unit, Ellie was finally stable enough to go home. But working in the medical field, Jennifer knew that every micro-preemie’s journey after the NICU is very different and no one could say for sure what Ellie’s future would hold.
She explained, “There have been two great days since the day we started our journey at UF Health: The day we brought Ellie home, and watching Ellie eat purées for the first time, something we were unsure would ever happen.”
More recently, she recalled watching Ellie ride a bike last spring. A milestone that so many families experience became a moment of incredible joy for her whole family. It was a moment, at times, they thought they’d never have the chance to experience with Ellie.
Despite the challenges over the years, Ellie and her mother continue to find joy in every victory they share, fostering friendships and unbreakable bonds with the teams that cared for her.
“Kelli Stewart [a registered nurse in the NICU] shared my joy in being able to dress Ellie for the first time,” Jennifer said. “She was excited to see her outfits and sent me pictures of her in her cute clothes. Dr. Roig was the first person I saw after Ellie was born, and he told me to trust in Ellie. Dr. Ibanez, who saw Ellie in the clinic, continued to want to know how she progressed, even after discharge from the clinic. She is responsible for the chicken nuggets that Ellie devours now.”
During a recent hospital admission for pneumonia, the Child Life team was instrumental for Ellie, providing comfort when she had to get her IV by playing with her and making the hospital experience less scary.
Even in the face of adversity, Ellie and her family embrace the silver linings of each day, maintaining a positive perspective against all odds.
“There was a time in the not so distant past when Ellie may not have survived because the level of treatment we received was thought impossible. Because of UF Health, I have a happy, healthy and vibrant daughter who I call my sunshine.”