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Show March 15. 2001 Dad's journal traces Christopher's struggles eye exam was not too bad were we but this week, hoping for better. He has Stage I Retinopathy. For all us noo-do- c tor types, his eyes are still growing and blood vessels are still fonningornetiroes blood vessels get 'confused' and grow where they are not supposed toThere are five stages. One is the best, five is the worst Stages one and two can actually correct themselves with time and growing." When his son was born 3 12 months premature 1.500 miles from his duty station, stiH growing... His CaQHeyrakevtcovcrkmardfrierKla around the work! updated with a weekly e-- 6f The Heyens received between 350400 responses in addition to cards and letters. Chad and his wife, 2nd Lt Mefissa Heyen, e-m-ail said all those positive comments will be something their son (who's now healthy and at home) Christopher tr easures. Photos by Mary GaJbraftti Chad Heyen holds his thumb up to his premature son Christopher's footprint At birth Christopher weighed less than 2 pounds. Chad, at left, with one of Christopher's diapers in the palm of his hand and his Identification band around his finger. At birth, Christopher was too small for the diaper, so NICU staff used cotton baits. case as far as supporting what was going on." The colonel notes Chad was able to complete most job assignments remotely from Springfield, and any remaining duties were without accomplished by his complaint Saeger added caring for Air Force families is crucial in ensuring airmen make the decision to stay "blue." He said, "In the 25 years I've been in the Air Force this is just the way we do things. We take care of our folks as best we can." Melissa said for meetings until full-tim- childcare is e found. In addition to efforts made by and commanders, Chad said his involvement at the base chapel played a critical role during Christopher's recovery especially during the weeks he was at Hill alone while Christopher spent his final days in the NICU. During church meetings, Chad requested congregation members pray for Christopher and his family. "Base chapels around the world ... specif ically prayed for rs her squadron was just as helpful during the crisis. Lt. Col. Bob Vozzola, com- Christopher. I don't think there's any other orga- f '''' mander of the nization in the world that has : - f the ability to take care of family Eke the Air Force," Chad said. "You 388th Range Squadron, said the first and most important thing the squadron did can't convince , me otherwise was ensure Melissa, Chad and the baby . that the prayers that were said in all different reli- gions made the difference. We kind of laugh that God said, 'OK, enough already. were settled men they worked out leave issues for the couple by teaming up with the Ogden Air I got the point'" Base Chaplain (Maj.) Pat Herring said because Logistics Center and 75th Air Base Wing. There're mechanisms out there to help folks with a medical need most chapel members are military and accustomed to moving Photo by Mary Galbralth few years, like that," VozCapt. Chad and 2nd Lt. Melissa Heyen are back every zola said. There's Today Hill they're very with Christopher. home at also the sense accepting of new and and Air of comers Force the family Christopher's birth made an you're part it really is a family. You've got to take care already close group even tighter as the conof it" gregation supported the couple. Because of the surprise delivery, "Along with the whole chapel family, we of believe Melissa's covered some temporarily prayer is a powerful thing and God Once Vozzola said. answers the job assignments, prayers," Herring said. "They all needed the help they could get so we and were settled Heyens Christopher was secure, they began working from a figured we'd get the big gu on it It's kind of a miraculous thing when a baby is that chaplain's office with laptops at the Springsmall and comes through it We're happy field Air National Guard unit using and phone calls to stay in touch with their for them...I think Christopher reminds us Hill of the miracle of life and how fragile it can That helped Melissa keep in contact so be and what a blessing it is for them to she could do a little bit of work to keep her have a child." In addition to providing support through mind off things and keep her finger in the pie so to speak from the aspect of things prayer, the congregation raised enough she worked," Vozzola said. "It was good for money to pay for 3,12 weeks of the couus too in the aspect that we continued to ple's stay at the Ronald McDonald House. get some of her expertise. Although her first mission was obviously for the baby." The future "We talked and said if it had to happen Vozzola describes Melissa as very outgoing, easy to work with and someone who anywhere, Illinois was the place it needed picks up extra responsibilities that don't to happen for our sake," Chad said. "Because always show up on a job description. Because if it was here, our families would be going of her work ethic, she was recognized as crazy back home not being able to help us. the squadron's company grade officer of When I was gone, Melissa had a visitor the year. He said those same traits will traneveryday. Friends, family whatever. We've learned how to accept help. I think both sition to success in an even more imporof us are pretty independent minded. One tant career. of the counselors at the hospital said there "Both she and Chad were strong and determined through this and mat will help throughare going to be a lot of people that want to out life. I'm sure they'll be great parents," help you. Let them help you.' I'd say that'd be one lesson." he said. "We're happy to see them back." Melissa said Christopher won't rememMelissa will continue to work via a laptop at home until the Heyens find a nanny for ber his small beginnings, so she and Chad Christopher. She said because Christopher will have to remember he's not as fragile is essentially a newborn, with his original as they think as he gets older and plays due date being Feb. 14, the squadron has sports and other games. "He's going to grow up and be a normal been very understanding. Melissa will soon work half-day- s and head into the office kid," she said. rs ail Jan. 1 , 3 pounds, ounces The following are exerpts from weekly Nov. 3, 1 pound, 14 ? ounces r in the New Year, Christo' , M S-- . doing as well as can be expected for a doctor is extremely Yj .vVff'' o m are incredible." ounces pound, 11 pleased with his progress and is glad he has not had nearly the number of obstacles that other preemies his age experience." baby. The mod-emiracles of medicine 1 pher had agood week-H- e attempted to bottle feed yesterday...They probably wont attempt that again for a few days. It seems to take a lot out of himChristopher's 12 earlyChristopher is Nov. 9, v i Y TO to our son, Christopher Lee, at 2:59 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 29. Melissa was just shy of the 25 I4 , , week mark, 3 2J ' "What a way to bring updates. "Melissa gave birth The chapel ! Christopher Heyen "Christopher has made it well past his first showed air pockets in week...Chest his chest cavity. One of his lungs was leaking air, causing pressure on his lungs. ..They had to insert a tube between his ribs on his left side. The good news today is that there isrKaircorningoutcfmembeatthispoint.Jn other news, I will head to Springfield, DL Sunday evening...Melissa and I will continue to work at our 'detachment of Hill at the Illinois Air National Guard Unit n Jan. 8, 3 pounds, 8.2 ounces By week 10 Christopher's bottle feedings were becoming more successful and his alert periods were longer and more frequent An ultra- X-ra- ys sound of his head determined the ventricles and blood clots were reduced but an eye exam was less promising, confirming Stage2 of Retinopathy. , Jan. 15, 3 pounds, 14 ounces At week 11 Christopher continued to gain weight and his eyes remained at Stage 2. ' Jan. 21, 4 pounds, .4 ounces Nov. 19, 1 pound, 12.5 ounces By week three Christopher began stomach feedings through a tube Chad described as the "size of a mechanical pencil lead through his To his parents' delight, Christopher broke the mark during week 12 and most ofh is feedings were by bottle. Physical therapists began nose into his stomach." working on range of motion exercises, Nov. 26, 1 pound, 13.5 ounces During week four Christopher had several ups and downs including a Thanksgiving Day scare when his heart and oxygen absorption rates dropped Jan. 29, 4 pounds, 5.5 ounces "FANTASTIC news Christopher finally got his feeding tube removed. Well, thaf s not exactly true. He decided to take the initiative and take it out on his own!...Christopher had his eye exam again this week. Still no changeJIhe doctors continue to be pleased with his progress and think he will grow out of it..The big event of the week was Christopher's baptism...One of the added blessings of him being born here was the fact that our families got to be at his Dec 3, 2 pounds, .5 ounces today...The "Christopher is progress he made this past week is beyond all expectations.. As of 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Christopher has been and continues to BREATHE ON HIS OWN!!!...The entire staff in the NICU is buzang...The highlight of the whole thing is the fact that Melissa got to hold him for about 30 minutes on Saturday night while the nurses changed his bedding.Work wise, I worked half days at the Illinois ANG unit the week before Thanksgiving. I started working full days this past week. Melissa started working half days this past week as well. The IANG has been so supportive and helpful. We are thankful that arrangements were made so we could be by Christopher's side. We understand we still have a long road ahead, but being able to contribute to the Air . Force mission and still be close is very com' forting." 'baptism." Feb. 4, 4 pounds, 9 ounces "14 weeks. It has been a long time. TOO LONG.. As some of you know, I came back . Dec. 10, 2 pounds, 4.1 ounces "By week sir, Christopher continued breathing without a ventilator and was responding well to touch although his lungs, eyes and heart remained a concern. Dec 17, 2 pounds, 6.5 ounces During the seventh week, Christopher continued to progress and received the first of his weekly eye exams. Dec 26, 2 pounds, 11.1 ounces "Christmas has been extra special this now and year...Christopher is home to Utah this week...I came home early to open the house back up and prepare for Melissa's and Christopher's Wednesday arrival." , " Feb. 8, 4 pounds, 12.4 ounces "101 and 12 days!!! Not that we're counting. Christopher and Melissa arrived home safely at 3 p.m. yesterday... After diverting from Hill AFB because of low visibility, the plane landed at Salt Lake City International Airport 1 We were able to take Christopher directly home!!! He's adjusted to the altitude MAGNIFICENTLY!!! He's had no need for additional oxygen even though mere is roughly a 4,500 foot difference in altitude. For those of you who don't know, the Air Force is celebrating the Year of the Family. The intent of this is to focus on family type issues. This is the perfect example of how the Air Force takes care of its family members in need. It's not just a fancy tide. There is no way to put this type of situation on a recruiting poster. Christopher has been wrapped in a blanket of love in true Air Force Blue!" . |