Irie
A Tiny Miracle That Continues Today
K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital has made a long-term commitment to the health and quality of life of this spirited girl.
Irie Esdaile is a recognized face at K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital. When she was born at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Irie weighed just 1 pound.
"Frankly, she was not even expected to live," recalls Irie's grandmother Delores. "I prayed, but it was touch-and-go for awhile." Delores is well-known around Jersey Shore, as she has worked in its Day Care Center for 10 years.
Irie pulled through, but faces several health challenges as a result of her premature birth. She was in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for her first three months, and has undergone a series of operations and treatments for seizures, epilepsy, and cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy is a brain disorder that affects the communications between the brain and muscles, causing a permanent state of uncontrolled movement. It also impacts learning and daily activities, including speech.
Now 13-years-old, Irie is a bundle of fun. Despite her health challenges, she is a jokester and has a repertoire of handsigning and dance moves. Her success can be attributed to her own determination and a dedicated, extended family that includes the specialists at K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital. "So many doctors have been there for us throughout her life; they are a committed team and we are lucky to have them so close," Delores says.
Irie takes medication for seizures and epilepsy. She also has an internal shunt that relieves fluid buildup in her brain. But as can be the case with serious chronic conditions, setbacks can arise along the way. This fall, Irie had a severe seizure that sent the family rushing to the hospital. "Through all of Irie's episodes and surgeries, she always knew what was happening," notes Delores. "This time was different. She was having a seizure and couldn't snap out of it."
"Cerebral spinal fluid had collected in Irie's abdomen and caused an infection. This blocked the shunt and triggered a seizure," explains Thomas Steineke, M.D., a pediatric neurosurgeon at K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital. "An operation had to be done right away to relieve the increased pressure on the brain."
Dr. Steineke points out, "When a shunt breaks down, it must be treated quickly with medication and surgery."
For Irie, the team of surgeons had to externalize the shunt for the first procedure. Then they were able to put back the internal shunt during a second procedure. She is now doing great.
"The hospital stay was short, and everyone was very caring. I prayed and within 24 hours, she was fine," concludes Delores. "Irie has always pulled through. We are hoping to help her walk without a walker and just continue to be herself. She is a true gift."