Cash was born prematurely at 28 weeks gestation and initially thrived in the NICU. Cash grew stronger every day, getting closer to going home with his parents, Shannan and Casey.
When Cash was a little over two months old, Shannan received a call from the hospital that Cash was critically ill. Cash was diagnosed with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and needed emergency surgery.
Tragically, Cash never got to go home with his parents. Shannan and Casey held their precious son as he passed away from NEC.
“We had never heard of NEC before Cash was diagnosed. Now, because of NEC, we have a permanent hole in our hearts that can never be filled.”
Shannan, Cash's mom
What Hurt
- Not being heard as a mother
- Being excluded from the care team
- Lacking access to information about NEC when I needed it most
What To Do
Listen to families and respond to their concerns
- Prioritize and include families – parents are the most important part of a baby’s care team
- Trust parents instincts – we know our babies best
“Sharing Cash’s story gives us hope for meaningful change.”
Shannan, Cash's mom
