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A Tiny Miracle That Continues Today
K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital has made a long-term commitment to the health and quality of life
of this spirited girl.
Irie Esdaile is a recognized face at
K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital.
When she was born at Jersey Shore
University Medical Center, Irie weighed
just 1 pound.
"Frankly, she was not even expected to
live," recalls Irie's grandmother Delores.
"I prayed, but it was touch-and-go for
awhile." Delores is well-known around
Jersey Shore, as she has worked in its
Day Care Center for 10 years.
Irie pulled through, but faces several
health challenges as a result of her premature
birth. She was in the Neonatal
Intensive Care Unit for her first three
months, and has undergone a series of
operations and treatments for seizures,
epilepsy, and cerebral palsy. Cerebral
palsy is a brain disorder that affects
the communications between the brain
and muscles, causing a permanent state
of uncontrolled movement. It also
impacts learning and daily activities,
including speech.
Now 13 years old, Irie is a bundle of
fun. Despite her health challenges, she is a
jokester and has a repertoire of handsigning
and dance moves. Her success can
be attributed to her own determination and
a dedicated, extended family that includes
the specialists at K. Hovnanian Children's
Hospital. "So many doctors have been
there for us throughout her life; they are a
committed team and we are lucky to have
them so close," Delores says.
Irie takes medication for seizures and
epilepsy. She also has an internal shunt that
relieves fluid buildup in her brain. But as
can be the case with serious chronic conditions,
setbacks can arise along the way. This
fall, Irie had a severe seizure that sent the
family rushing to the hospital. "Through all
of Irie's episodes and surgeries, she always
knew what was happening," notes Delores.
"This time was different. She was having a
seizure and couldn't snap out of it."
"Cerebral spinal fluid had collected in
Irie's abdomen and caused an infection.
This blocked the shunt and triggered a
seizure," explains Thomas Steineke, M.D.,
a pediatric neurosurgeon at K. Hovnanian
Children's Hospital. "An operation had
to be done right away to relieve the
increased pressure on the brain."
Dr. Steineke points out, "When a shunt
breaks down, it must be treated quickly
with medication and surgery."
For Irie, the team of surgeons had to
externalize the shunt for the first procedure.
Then they were able to put back the
internal shunt during a second procedure.
She is now doing great.
"The hospital stay was short, and
everyone was very caring. I prayed and
within 24 hours, she was fine," concludes
Delores. "Irie has always pulled through.
We are hoping to help her walk without a
walker and just continue to be herself. She
is a true gift."
 – Ryan Younger
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