October 27, 2009, was an exciting day for Jessica and Guy Perry. They welcomed their son Shane into the world and in that moment, his journey toward becoming the 2019 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Champion began.
When Shane was born, he was ushered directly to the Davis Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) because he was having difficulty maintaining a stable oxygen level. It was in the NICU when Jessica and Guy heard the first mention of Down syndrome.
“The team was amazing and very supportive,” shared Jessica. “I had no idea until that moment how lucky we were to have Baystate Children’s Hospital in our own backyard.”
After 10 days in the NICU, Shane headed home with his parents, who were taught how to operate the at-home monitoring system and oxygen tanks thanks to the guidance of the NICU staff.
Shane’s journey with Baystate Children’s Hospital didn’t stop there. At 3 months old, Shane contracted RSV and ended up in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit for 14 days on a ventilator. After outpatient surgeries and a few observation stays, Shane was on the mend.
“Baystate Children’s Hospital saved by boy twice and I am forever grateful to them,” shared Jessica.
The Shane of today
At nine-years-old, Shane is doing well and has developed quite the personality. Jessica shares that he has an infectious smile, loves books, dancing, swimming, Ed Sheeran, and his tablet. And now, Shane will add another role to his life as the 2019 Children’s Miracle Network Hospital Champion, through which he’ll help to raise awareness and support for the patients at Baystate Children’s Hospital.
“He has such a fun loving personality and certainly is rocking his extra chromosome,” said Jessica.
A superhero in his own right, Shane even wears a cape that reads “Help me, Help you, Help kids” while collecting donations.
“He is our guiding light and has taught us all to take life a little slower and truly enjoy the journey,” said Jessica.
Learn more about how you can support kids like Shane through Children's Miracle Network Hospitals and Baystate Children's Hospital.