Tiny ‘superhero’ is battling the odds

July 2, 2014 · 0 Comments

By Mark Pavilons
Superheroes come in all shapes and sizes.
Schomberg’s Abigail Eveson is only one year old and she already has a sidekick, her three-year-old brother Charlie. And let’s not forget the “dynamic duo” mom Becky and dad Craig.
Given the roller coaster ride the family has been through, they need their superhuman strength.
To look at little Abby, you wouldn’t know anything was wrong. Her eyes grab you and her smiles and laughter are just what the doctor ordered.
“I would never have expected her to be so positive, happy and content,” Becky said.
And you have to remain positive, in light of Abby’s life-threatening condition that requires constant monitoring and more surgeries to come.
Abby was born with multiple congenital heart defects and the biggest concern is the blood flow out of the heart to become oxygenated by the lungs. The condition, as in Abby’s case, is evident at birth.
Abby arrived after Becky’s “perfect pregnancy.” Their lives changed in an instant and the moments following Abby’s birth were filled with chaos, emotion, fear and medical attention.
Abby received her first open heart surgery within 16 hours of her birth, June 19, 2013 and spent a week in CCCU (Cardiac Critical Care Unit) at Toronto’s SickKids. The future seemed very hopeful as the family was home within two weeks of Abby’s surgery. However, things quickly turned when they had to call 911 when Abby was only five weeks old, and they returned to Sick Kids.
The days and weeks that followed included consultations with many physicians, procedures and some bleak news. The couple was told there were no surgical options and when the surgeon was explaining this to them he saw a possibility. The couple was told they could opt for palliative care or surgery and nothing was certain until they went in to investigate.
Craig and Becky were shocked, but when your child’s life is on the line, the only option is to try.
“One minute there were no surgical options and then a minute later there is. How could we give up on that possibility?” Craig said.
The surgery was successful but post-op complications led to more treatments. The Evesons were given counselling and were told a heart/lung transplant may be the only future option for Abby.
But commitment and dedication by all have led to Abby’s improvement. She’s been able to grow stronger and today, she appears as any normal baby would. The family went from no surgical options to a viable solution on the horizon.
She will be constantly monitored as she grows and develops and when her condition deteriorates, she’ll receive another surgery. Fortunately, she’s in good hands – Dr. Glen Van Arsdell, head of cardiovascular surgery at SickKids.
The Evesons are tired, but surprisingly upbeat and strong. They have to be.
Becky said the hospital stays are the most difficult, because they feel helpless, just waiting for answers.
“I encourage anyone that knows someone going through anything similar to reach out to them and offer the words of encouragement drop off food, etc. It does a world of difference in helping to make a difficult situation just a little bit easier.”
Their lives are in limbo and Becky has never left Abby for more than a brief moment. Becky has taken a leave from her long-term care position and Craig, a King Township roads employee and volunteer firefighter, often rushes home at a moment’s notice. Craig uses most of his vacation time to stay home with Charlie when Becky and Abby are at the hospital.
Charlie, who just turned three, is the strong big brother, looking out for his sister. He is her sidekick after all.
The past week or so has been one of anniversaries, both happy and sad. June 23 marked the seventh anniversary of the couple’s tragic accident in King City when they were struck by a truck while walking in the area.
Becky and Craig have received a lot of support from family, friends and neighbours. The experience has brought people closer to together and has even mended some fences.
“We are so grateful to have such wonderful family, friends and a community that comes together. We believe that all the positive thoughts that she gets has truly helped her get to where she is today.”
Becky’s sister stayed with the couple for months after Abby was born.
“We also had people come that we least expected sending cards of encouragement, gifts, dropping off food and offering to help with Charlie. It all helped by giving us hope, knowing that many people cared and were sending her positive thoughts and willing to help us. It truly helped us get through the most difficult time. It continues every time she has big appointments – the offer for help and dropping off food.”
Becky is quick to point out that none of this would have been possible without the quick reaction from Southlake’s birthing unit and NICU, all of the staff at SickKids, and the continuing care and support she recieves from SickKids, Southlake’s urgent care clinic, their family doctor, the supports CCAC have put into place for nursing care and occupational therapy, and to those who responded in emergency situations such as EMS and local volunteer firefighters.
“It is amazing the number of people involved to help this little girl and we cannot begin to show our gratitude to them all,” Becky said.
She added they are also extremely grateful to anyone who has donated blood. Abby received numerous blood transfusions and without them, wouldn’t have survived.
“I was amazed how many babies and small children I saw in the CCCU that were receiving blood transfusions.”
The Evesons’ accident and Abby’s condition have made them stronger.
Becky offered some words of encouragement for others who may be struggling with a life event.
“Try to stay positive – it does amazing things. Eventually the reason will make sense as to why this happened to you. We all have life events that are meant to make us grow and some of us have more major events than others, but we all have a different purpose.”
If that doesn’t work, just call on supergirl Abigail Eveson!