On 22nd May 2024, baby Mila Abercrombie’s parents embarked on a challenging journey when they discovered that their unborn child had a serious heart condition. The subsequent days were an emotional rollercoaster for the family as they navigated through uncertainty and fear. However, their hope rekindled when baby Mila was born and immediately taken to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). At just 8 days old, she underwent a life-saving open heart surgery performed by the esteemed Professor Danton.
The road to recovery was far from easy for little Mila. After enduring 10 weeks of numerous hurdles and obstacles, she was finally discharged from the hospital, allowing her to reunite with her older brother, Caiden. Despite being home, Mila continued to receive crucial care from the hospital team, ensuring her continued well-being.
Throughout their trying journey, the Abercrombie family received invaluable support, thanks to the assistance funded by the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity. One of the lifelines for the family was VCreate, a secure video messaging service made possible by the charity, which enabled them to stay connected with their precious baby during her time in the intensive care unit. Chelsea, Mila’s mom, expressed her gratitude for VCreate, emphasizing its role in providing them with solace and reassurance during the challenging nights when they were called back to the hospital.
Moreover, the family also benefited from the heartwarming “Inky Feet” initiative, which helped them create lasting memories during uncertain times. As Mila’s mom, Chelsea, shared, “The play team were amazing. They tried their hardest to help Mila see something different, as being ventilated and paralyzed meant she couldn’t move, and was growing every day!”
Witnessing firsthand the tremendous impact of the charity’s support on their journey, Chelsea was inspired to give back. Driven by the kindness and exceptional care provided to Mila, Chelsea was moved to initiate fundraising efforts. The family organized a memorable event, replete with a DJ, local singer Pat Canavan, and a raffle, successfully raising an impressive £3,300 with the generous help of local communities, friends, and family.
The outpouring of support and generosity from the Abercrombie family serves as a shining example of resilience, love, and altruism. Their dedication to fundraising has not only underscored their appreciation for the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity but has also made a tangible difference in the lives of other families facing similar challenges.
The remarkable journey of baby Mila and her family is a testament to the incredible impact of community support and the unwavering strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. The Abercrombie family’s selfless dedication to giving back serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring others to turn their struggles into opportunities to make a positive difference in the lives of those in need.
As we celebrate the remarkable recovery of Mila and the extraordinary efforts of her family, let us also recognize the invaluable role played by organizations such as the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity in transforming moments of despair into stories of resilience and hope.