Before birth, Danny and Tony were told Reese had a Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH).  CDH is a hole in the diaphragm, more common on the left side, but Reese had it on her right side.  This made it harder for the doctor’s to detect, and they only found out when Danny was overdue!  As a result, Reese’s intestines went through the hole and into her chest while she was growing. This prevented the normal development of her lungs (pulmonary hypoplasia).

    Danny delivered Reese at Long Island Jewish (LIJ), and Reese was immediately placed on an ECMO machine.  ECMO is an acronym for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. As the name implies, it refers to the delivery of oxygen by “extracorporeal” measures, and literally means by mechanical bypass that takes place outside of the body. Toward that end, an ECMO machine is a medical device that performs this task. In fact, it is very similar to a heart-lung machine that is used to continue the supply of blood and oxygen while the heart is stopped, such as during open heart surgery. ECMO therapy, is intended for patients whose heart and lungs cannot normally function on their own,* which was the case with Reese.

    During these long two months, Danny lived at the Ronald McDonald House, a short walk from LIJ.  If you have never been, The Ronald McDonald House is a wonderful home for parents to live in while their children have extended stays at the hospital.  They have playrooms, kitchens, and living rooms.  Everything to make life more comfortable for these struggling parents. 

    Reese had many surgeries, and fought very hard.  However, on April 7th, 2003 Reese passed away peacefully.  She is still missed greatly.

    To remember Reese, Danny had asked that in lieu of flowers, that donations be made to set up Reese’s Garden.  Our parents now have a beautiful garden in their backyard that has been flourishing all these years!  When the snow finally melts, and the flowers bloom, I will add photos of what the garden looks like today.

    On November 12th, 2004, Danny and Tony were blessed with a healthy baby girl, Rayna Reese.  She is a whipper snapper who keeps them very busy!

   

*source wisegeek.com