Our story began 22 years ago when I, (Amy Wald) decided to interview for a position to care for a premature baby. Enter, Ashley Marie Shelton. Ashley was born @ 23 weeks gestation weighing 1lb 3 ozs. Ashley called Mpls Children’s Hospital home for 8 months, and is truly a miracle. Ashley was released home on oxygen, a feeding tube, sensors and indescribable amounts of medications. Currently Ashley is 22 years old and a junior in College at Northern Iowa University. Ashley is the kindest, loving and most honest person I know. Truly a spitting image of her Mom both inside and out.
After many years of caring for children with special needs I decided to go back to work full time. As our two boys got older my husband and I decided to try one round of in vitro fertilization. We were blessed to become pregnant with twins. Our daughter Sydney passed away at 20 weeks gestation. Our daughter Carleigh was born at 31 weeks weighing 3lbs 6 ozs and would call Mpls Children’s/Abbott home for the next 2.5 months. Carleigh suffered from severe apnea and would come home with the monitor for the next 6 month. Currently Carleigh is a happy, thriving 8 year girl who loves her much older brothers Mick and Mitch. Carleigh loves to play outside, and truly loves all animals.
Never once did I think that 22 years ago when I met that little brown eyed girl that she was preparing me for my own little brown eyed girl and all the come with a premature baby. Thank you Children’s Hospitals for our girls – Love Amy Wald and Brenda Shelton