Skip to main content

MIRACLE MONDAYS – Brenna Westlake and the importance of the holidays

The holiday season can hold significant memories for many families. For the Westlake family, the holiday season of 2011 was something they’ll never forget.

Brenna Westlake was born on December 19th, 2011 with a rare genetic skin condition called Harlequin Ichthyosis, “We were shocked,” said Courtney Westlake, Brenna’s Mom. “It was confusion at first. I wasn’t able to grasp the severity of the condition for a couple days.”

Brenna’s skin condition causes her skin to grow seven times faster than usual.

“Many babies with Brenna’s condition die within hours or days of birth,” Courtney said. “The most difficult part for us was wondering if Brenna would live.”

The next week proved critical for Brenna. Christmas Eve almost became the day that the Westlake’s lost their child. ““At 11pm on Christmas Eve we were being told that our 5-day-old daughter might not make it through the night. It was devastating to hear.”

Through prayer and the exceptional care she received at St. John’s, Brenna survived.

The next holiday, New Year’s Eve, would prove to be one of joy and optimism!

Evan and I went in for our usual late afternoon visit on New Year’s Eve. The medical staff surprised us by asking us ‘Are you ready to hold your baby?!’” Dr. Darling had been pushing for this because she knew it was so important for bonding!  

Brenna made it through the holidays and today she is a healthy 8-year-old girl who enjoys pepperoni pizza, Full House and playing with her brother!

“Christmas Eve 2011 was the worst night of our lives. I honestly didn’t know if we’d get to hold her before she passed away. But New Year’s Eve became one of the best. That night, holding Brenna for the first time at 2 weeks old, gave us so much hope for her survival and her future! We have no doubt that the amazing care provided at St. John’s is what kept her alive during that critical time.”

Do you have a miracle child that was treated as HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital? Facebook message us or email dave.newton@hshs.org and tell us your story! #miraclemondays