Meet Piper!
Piper’s journey at University of Iowa Health Care (UIHC) Stead Family Children’s Hospital began at 25 weeks gestation when a congenital birth defect, Esophageal Atresia (EA), was detected. Piper’s esophagus and stomach were not connected. Born full term, Piper spent 173 days in the NICU, undergoing her first surgery just days after birth to place a G-tube and determine which type of EA she had.
At 8 days old, Piper’s stomach perforated, and she required emergency surgery, marking the start of a long and complicated journey. Throughout her time in the NICU, Piper faced numerous challenges, including lung collapses, pneumonia, UTIs, and several surgeries. At 3 ½ months, she underwent surgery to finally connect her stomach and esophagus, but due to the stomach perforation, the connection was tight and difficult.
Once released from the NICU, Piper continued her battle with feeding difficulties and oral aversion, requiring continuous G/J tube feeds. The first two years of her life were spent in and out of the hospital, often in the PICU, due to ongoing pneumonias, GI complications, and respiratory issues that required oxygen support.
Piper has undergone over 55 surgeries in her short life, including 44 esophageal dilatations, as well as countless tests, imaging, and therapy appointments. She has worked hard with feeding therapy to learn to eat orally, but she still uses a G-tube for balancing her caloric intake and medication.
Additionally, Piper has received hours of physical and occupational therapy, and visits to specialty doctors, with Child Life services supporting her through tough tests and procedures. Despite the challenges, Piper continues to fight, showing remarkable strength and resilience.