In December 2019 Millie’s parents took their 6-week-old baby girl to Doernbecher Children’s Hospital after noticing her increasingly floppy muscle tone, difficulty with breathing, choking episodes, and overall failure to thrive.
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nAfter being hospitalized most of her first year of life, Millie now receives nearly all her medical care in Portland at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital or Seattle Children’s.
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nShe is completely reliant on her feeding tube for all nutritional needs, although she occasionally will take a few bites of food to taste.
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nMillie has been diagnosed with hypotonia, gastroparesis, and duodenitis. Doctors say she may have cerebral palsy.
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nMillie did learn to walk, but she uses orthotics on her feet to help her. While she still prefers to be carried or ride in the stroller, Millie also has an adventurous side and enjoys riding her trike with her sisters.
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nMillie enjoys play dough, puzzles, coloring, and playing with her dolls.
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nMillie loves all animals and hopes to someday get a dog. She is a great big sister to Marlowe and follows her older sisters wherever they go.
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nMillie loves playing with other kids and making new friends. She really enjoys going to the park. Swinging and going down the slide are things she could do over and over all day!
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nMillie will be adopted as a Sparrow to Bend High School. Students will have the opportunity to work hard to raise money for Millie’s ongoing treatment and travel through sponsored community service.