The family of a tiny baby taken for emergency heart surgery when she was a few days’ old “didn’t know” if she was going to make it.
Mila Abercrombie was born with a serious heart condition and rushed to the neonatal intensive care un it. Just over a week later the baby underwent serious surgery, with the family unsure if she would pull through or not.
Whilst she recuperated, the family used VCreate, a secure video messaging service funded by Glasgow Children's Hospital charity which allows families with babies in intensive care to stay connected, GlasgowLive reported. Mila’s mum Chelsea said: "We found VCreate amazing as we stayed in Ronald McDonald House and were often called during the night to come back over.
"VCreate let us know she was safe and cosy and tucked in at night, as we weren't allowed to stay in intensive care. We also had Inky Feet done as there were times they didn't know if she was going to make it and needed memories."
After ten weeks and multiple challenges, brave little Mila was finally able to go home and spend time with her big brother, Caiden, while remaining under the care of the hospital team. Chelsea added: "The play team were amazing, they tried their hardest with mirrors, etc to help Mila see something different, as being ventilated and paralysed, meant she couldn’t move and was growing every day!
"The kindness of the staff and the sheer volume of amazing care Mila received, inspired me to fundraise. Seeing first-hand what the charity does brought me to tears of joy."
The Abercrombie family have since raised thousands for Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity. "We had a party with a DJ, local singer Pat Canavan, and a raffle. We raised a massive £3,300 with the help of local people and our friends and family!”