During a 20-week ultrasound, Mary Quay was diagnosed with spina bifida (a birth defect in which the backbone and spinal canal don’t close before birth) and hydrocephalus (the buildup of fluid inside the skull which leads to brain swelling). The doctor initially gave her parents, Cathy and Robert, a grim prognosis.
Within hours of her birth, Mary Quay was admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital where they performed surgery to repair the hole in her back. Not only did her parents feel that Le Bonheur took incredible care of Mary Quay during her first weeks of life but the staff welcomed them into the care setting and supported them during a difficult time.
Today, Mary Quay is a very happy and mostly healthy five-year-old.
Hi Mary Quay - I can't wait to meet you, your sister and your parents at Family Advocacy Day in July. We have a great program lined up that we hope you will enjoy. Your journey is an inspiration to me and all of us who work here at Children's Hospital Association. It will certainly be an important time to share that story with Congress too -- by meeting you, your lawmakers will be better able to understand and make decisions about what kids need to be healthy and thrive.
Posted by: Maria H. | 04/23/2012 at 12:14 PM
Mary Quay - the blessing to so many! Have a great time at Family Advocacy Day.
Posted by: frankie wade | 04/23/2012 at 12:18 PM
Hi Mary Quay, Thanks for representing my granddaughter Aubrey who was just born a week ago. She too has spina bifida and you are such an inspiration. My daughter Elizabeth represented Kosair Children's Hospital last year and I know you will have much fun in DC.
Posted by: Mark Carter | 06/22/2012 at 11:03 PM