A Heartwarming Homecoming
Imagine the joy and relief as little Evangeline “Evie” Statler, after spending her first nine months in a hospital, is finally on her way home.
Born way ahead of time at just 23 weeks and 5 days, Evie’s journey into the world was a surprise to her parents, Madison “Maddie” and Dylan Statler.
Her early arrival, originally due in July, was a twist that no one saw coming.
The Unexpected Begins
Maddie’s pregnancy was smooth sailing until one morning, at 23 weeks, she woke up to unexpected back pain and a strange tightness.
It was the beginning of contractions, a realization that hit her hard.
The situation turned more serious with the onset of bleeding, a scary sign that rushed her to the hospital.
Evie’s Brave Battle
Once Evie was transferred to St. Louis Children’s Hospital, her fight against pulmonary hypertension and other complications began.
It was a tough road, but Evie, tiny and mighty, kept pushing through.
Her dad, Dylan, shared with “Good Morning America,” “She’s kind of like a gift or a miracle baby.”
These words perfectly capture the essence of Evie’s incredible journey.
A Sudden Turn for the Worse
Maddie’s condition took a rapid turn when her sister, an obstetric nurse, noticed Evie’s heart rate spiking.
This alarming change led to a whirlwind of activity, culminating in an emergency C-section due to a dangerous placental abruption.
It was a tense and critical moment for the family.
A Small Cry, A Big Hope
Despite being incredibly small and fragile, Evie’s first cry was a powerful moment.
It was a sound that filled her parents with hope and reassurance.
Maddie remembers this moment fondly, “That cry made us feel she had a fighting chance, and it was so reassuring.”
Against All Odds
The doctors were cautious about Evie’s chances, giving her less than a 50% chance of survival.
For the Statler family, every new day was a victory, a step forward in a journey filled with uncertainty and hope.
Dylan described this time as a series of small wins, each day a precious gift.
A Journey of Resilience and Teamwork
Evie’s treatment showcased the incredible work of her medical team.
Dr. Melissa Riley, her neonatologist, initially had reservations about promising a successful outcome.
But witnessing Evie’s resilience and the unwavering support of her family was a profound experience for everyone involved.
Inspiration in the Midst of Struggle
Dylan, an artist, found inspiration in his daughter’s fight for life.
He created a series of paintings, including “Waiting on Her Arrival,” which beautifully symbolizes hope and the longing for Evie’s homecoming.
The Statlers are deeply thankful for the overwhelming support from everyone around them, describing their journey as an emotional rollercoaster filled with highs and lows.
Sharing Hope and Strength
The Statlers’ story is more than just their own; it’s a beacon of hope for others facing similar challenges.
By sharing their experiences, they aim to inspire and support other families.
Dylan emphasizes the power of shared stories, “Hearing success stories gave us strength, and we hope ours can do the same for others.”
See just how much Evie grew after her early delivery in the video below.
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