Meet Chandler - Phoebe Foundation CMN Feature
Meet Chandler
"I am so thankful for all Children’s Miracle Network partner and donors, because your support provided me with a miracle, my Chandler.” - Tammy, Chandler’s mom
Tammy Boyd and Chauncey Shaw were scheduled for a routine prenatal visit with their obstetrician in Valdosta, GA, having no clue their appointment would entail a diagnosis of pre-eclampsia. Within 3 days Tammy and Chauncey were sitting in the maternal fetal specialist office waiting to be admitted to Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital for strict bed rest and preparation for delivery. At 27 weeks gestation, Tammy’s doctor ordered an emergency c-section to protect her and her baby. On September 13, 2012, Chandler Shaw entered this world weighing 1 pound and 7 ounces.
“I remember the doctor placing him in the palm of my hand for a brief second and then he was rushed away.” Chandler was immediately placed on a ventilator and transported to Phoebe’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
During Chandler’s time in NICU, he received specialized care from nurses, respiratory therapists, doctors, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, and other healthcare specialists. He required a nasogastric tube for feeding, intravenous lines for medication administration, oxygen therapy, and a host of specialized testing. The NICU team informed Tammy and Chauncey that Chandler would be faced with many health challenges due to his gestational age, but reassured them they would do everything they could to get Chandler healthy.
“Each person on the NICU team was Chandler’s guardian angel and I couldn’t have asked for a better group of medical staff. If I had the chance, I would tell them that they will forever hold a special place in my heart. I am forever grateful that they cared for my child as if he was their own.” Tammy expressed.
Tammy spent every day in the NICU, watching him grow. Once Chandler was off the ventilator, Tammy was able to hold Chandler and perform kangaroo care, which helped stabilize Chandler’s temperature, stimulated milk production for Tammy, and allowed bonding time.
“I remember holding him for the first time. He was so little and fragile. I was so overwhelmed with excitement!” Tammy recalls.
Chandler continued to make progress and finally graduated to NICU 2. During his stay in NICU 2, Tammy was able to breastfeed, give Chandler nightly baths, and watch his health improve as he became more stable. On November 20, Chandler was discharged home with oxygen, weighing almost 4 pounds.
After Chandler graduated from NICU, the family traveled to Augusta, Macon, and Atlanta for more medical needs. Before the age of one, he underwent two hypospadias repair surgeries.
Today, Chandler is a happy seven year old that loves life and enjoys playing with his friends, participating in many sports including football, basketball, and baseball, and riding his four- wheeler. Chandler has asthma, a bicuspid aortic valve, and ADHD, but has overcome so many obstacles since his birth and continues to be a shining star in his family.
Children’s Miracle Network funds provide Phoebe’s NICU with the specialized equipment, education, and programs that allowed Chandler to survive and thrive. “Without Phoebe’s amazing NICU and Children’s Miracle Network, some of our miracles would not exist. I am so thankful for all Children’s Miracle Network partner and donors, because your support provided me with a miracle, my Chandler.” Tammy shared.
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For more information, call Phoebe Foundation at 229-312-4483 or toll-free at 877-312-4483. You can also email Phoebe Foundation at padouglas@phoebehealth.com.
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