One Family’s Journey to Sproutlings
Sixtus and Lena Iwu’s journey to safely deliver their daughter Eleanor was anything but routine. At a 20-week ultrasound, they learned something was wrong. Through the expertise of specialists throughout the country and a 36-person medical team, Eleanor was born at 36 weeks with a rare heart defect.
Following 49 days in the Cardiac Intensive Care unit, multiple open-heart surgeries, pacemakers, a defribrillator and time-sensitive medications, Eleanor Iwu’s ongoing care needs were going to be complex.
As working parents, they knew they needed caregivers who could provide the level of care Eleanor required. They also wanted Eleanor’s two-year-old brother Oliver to be at the same place. Then, a co-worker told Lena about Sproutlings Pediatric Day Care & Preschool and the Iwu’s found the perfect answer to their unique situation, right in their community.
As the only Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care center (PPEC) in the region, Sproutlings’ inclusive learning environment provided a safe place for both children to learn and grow together. Along with traditional day care and preschool curriculum, Sproutlings also offers skilled nursing care providing a nurse in Eleanor’s classroom.
“Eleanor receives routine nurse evaluations and a time sensitive medication daily,” said Sproutlings Director of Nursing Nikki Klein. “We monitor her for seizure and falls daily as well as her temperature which requires immediate notification of her parents if it goes above 99.5 degrees. Eleanor cannot be around magnets to prevent ICD deactivation and have limited exposure to loud noises and alarms to avoid triggering arrhythmias.”
In addition, Eleanor wears braces and requires regular monitoring of her blood sugar and blood pressure. Sproutlings staff must ensure she has frequent breaks during activities and constant access to her water. She also receives weekly occupational therapy through Associates in Pediatric Therapy, conveniently located on Masonic Homes Kentucky’s Louisville Campus.
But, her medical conditions are just a part of Eleanor’s life. According to her teachers, she is shy at first but once she gets comfortable, is silly and giggly. She loves pasta and talking about her family, especially her brother Oliver. At school, you can find her fixing food in the play kitchen, dancing, singing, learning Spanish and how to write her name.
Her parents say Sproutlings and its team gave them an opportunity to breathe again.
“Eleanor is such a light,” said Lena. “Every day, she is surrounded by warmth, safety and inclusion. There is a nurse in her classroom. There’s an emergency plan. There’s love. There is play. And, there is learning.”
Oliver also benefited from attending Sproutlings with his sister.
“He met other children with special needs, and it changed him,” said Sixtus. “He’s more compassionate, more accepting, and more aware of the beauty in diversity. That’s a gift that will stay with him for life.”
He added, “We didn’t know a place like Sproutlings existed. Now, we can’t imagine our lives without it. We are forever grateful for the care, the inclusion and the hope they’ve given our family.”
You can make a difference in the lives of children like Eleanor.
