MIRACLE MONDAYS – Joel Reynolds

Although it’s not your normal red flag, Amber Reynolds knew that an itch on her feet was something to be concerned about. “It had something to do with my kidneys,” Amber said. “My doctor, husband and I decided that since I was at 37 weeks, we’d go ahead and induce. I was admitted and excited to meet our little boy.”

The C-section, however, got very scary very quick. “My water broke and they lost his heartbeat,” said Amber. “They rushed me in for an emergency C-section. The umbilical cord had gotten smashed and he was not getting oxygen. The fast action of doctors and staff saved my little boy.”

Joel was in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for a week. He was put on a cooling blanket and slowly rewarmed over that week. “We didn’t know if there was brain damage or not. That truly was the scariest week of my life. I couldn’t hold him for three days….I just sat next to him and prayed.”

Thankfully there was no brain damage.

Joel just turned two in July! He loves bugs, his big brother and his dog Sasha! “He is a typical 2-year-old! He’s full of energy and keeps me on my toes. He never sits still!”

“I cannot express enough how grateful I am to everyone at St. John’s Women’s and Children’s Center. Due to them, I have my spunky boy!”

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