On average, 10-15% of babies born in the United States are admitted into the NICU every year. Pensacola is home to a Level 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), and provides advanced care for critically ill newborns and those born prematurely. The Studer Family Children’s Hospital provides on-site consultation and care from 30 different pediatric specialties.
This week, I had the honor to chat with local and friend, Mallory Tarkowski, along with her precious 18-month-old son, Olson. Olson was born at 33 weeks on February 15, 2023. Before I’d talked with Mallory about sharing her story with us, she said she’d recently read about the AngelEye cameras and couldn’t be happier that this technology was going to be available to families.
I asked Mallory to share about her birth experience with Olson, she said, “Things were smooth sailing up until our baby shower. The morning afterward I woke up bleeding. Shortly after arriving at the hospital, we found out that at 32 weeks my water broke and I was admitted.”
As a mother, for the first or third time, there is no greater scare than something being “wrong” with your baby. I believe it’s instinctual that we will go above and beyond to make sure our baby is healthy, sometimes even at the expense of our own bodies.
What were your biggest struggles while Olson was in the NICU?
“The biggest struggle during our time in NICU was juggling the daily visits and having two older children at home. We didn’t want to feel as if we put our time with them on hold or pause.”
Do you think it would have made a difference if you had an AngelEye camera in the unit to see Olson during the times you weren’t at the hospital?
“I think this is the best thing that could’ve ever been decided. As a preemie mom my biggest fear with having another child is this would happen again and my child and I would be separated. I believe it would helped for the nights I would sit at home and contemplate running back to the hospital to just sit and admire the life we brought into the world. I would have had peace of mind being able to periodically check in on the busy days where life just kept moving even if we had a child in the hospital.“
During the times that Mallory was not in the hospital, the incredible team at the Children’s Hospital would go above and beyond to make sure baby Olson was being cared for during these precious times of early development.
“I believe the AngelEye would allow families to have comfort in seeing their child and knowing they are safe. Even if they are in the most wonderful place being taken care of by even more amazing human beings just seeing your child brings peace to your heart.
Mallory was overwhelmed with the level of care and thoughtfulness the care team provided their family during Olson’s two-week stay in the NICU.
“One thing that I hold dear to my heart is a night nurse, Sydney, who would have a letter written for us each morning when we came to visit. She updated us on how his night was and how much of a rockstar Olson was. Another was that Olson was discharged right before my birthday and the nurses made me cards with his hand and footprints saying how excited he was to be coming home!”
Today, Olson is going on 18 months old and is full of life. You’ll find Mallory and her family enjoying quality time together with friends and family. Olson is known for being playful, wild about animals, and lots of fun!
Mallory and Olson’s story shines light on the amazing work Studer Family Children’s Hospital is doing every day to best care for the children that come through their doors.
This year, Cat Country’s 6th Annual Radiothon proceeds will go towards the purchase of AngelEye Cameras for Studer Family Children’s Hospital’s 72-bed Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. These cameras let families watch over their babies 24/7 via a secure account, giving them peace of mind as they never have to miss a memory or a milestone.
You can follow along with more stories like this by following @givesacredheart on social media. If you are interested in learning more about the AngelEye Cameras, check out the event happening on August 16th. More information here!
This fundraiser is partnered with the Sacred Heart Foundation. More information about the organization can be found here on their website.
