Paralympic athlete Jessica-Jane Applegate gives an update on Preemie Baby
Jessica-Jane Applegate he has great reason to celebrate after weeks of uncertainty.
“A little update about our amazing Alara ❤️ Yesterday was a milestone for our little hero,” the retired paraplegic, 29, wrote on Instagram on Wednesday, July 22, sharing a happy update on her daughter's life after being born prematurely at 23 weeks pregnant.
“After nearly two weeks of recurrent pneumonia, antibiotic treatment for suspected NEC, and a diagnosis of an underactive thyroid, Alara was finally able to be weaned off the ventilator and onto BiPAP,” Applegate continued. “He's now managed over 12 hours on BiPAP, and we couldn't be prouder. Another amazing step forward, and he continues to show everyone how strong and determined he is.”
Applegate and her longtime partner, Declan is Jeremyfound out they were expecting their first child together in January.
They later announced the arrival of their bundle of joy on June 26, revealing that he weighed 525g – just over one pound – and was “smaller than the palm of our hand.”
At the time, Applegate and her daughter, Alara, were both treated for septicemia (blood poisoning) which was suspected to be hers, and while the athlete recovered, the couple's daughter stayed in the intensive care unit. Alara's due date was not until September 23, as noted in a fundraising interview presented by the couple.
“We know it's a long way to go, with her vaccinations on Friday and her first eye exam next Tuesday, but today we're celebrating this huge milestone,” Applegate shared along with photos of her daughter and the hashtag micro preemie. (A micro preemie is a baby born before the 26th week of pregnancy or weighing less than 1 pound, 12 ounces.)
Several donations have been made to support the new parents as Alara's journey continues.
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“We are not people who find it easy to ask for help, but the financial crisis is too much,” reads the description of the fundraiser. “Declan has had to take time off from work to be able to support me and Alara. Unfortunately, maternity leave only goes so far, and the official pay doesn't cover the reality of our situation.”
They added, “If you are able to donate, no matter how small, it can help ease the financial pressure and allow us to focus on what is most important to be by Alara's side as she continues to grow stronger every day.”
