Olivia

Olivia

Age: 8

Diagnosis: Meconium Aspiration and Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension in Newborns (PPHN)

Lisa Uesugi, Photographer

Olivia was delivered by emergency Caesarean section and was born with Meconium Aspiration and Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension in Newborns (PPHN). As a possible candidate for ECMO, a heart and lung bypass machine, Olivia was transferred to Kapi‘olani Medical Center. “I was devastated to learn that Olivia might need to be on a ECMO,” said her mother, Catherine Cox. “Thankfully, she improved while in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and did not need to receive this level of care.” Today, Olivia is a second grader at Holy Nativity School who loves to sing, dance and perform. Olivia also has a passion for surfing and swimming and her parents are convinced that she’s part mermaid. “We continue to be inspired by Olivia’s absolute joy and optimism,” said Catherine. “We have no doubt that with the terrifying circumstances of her birth, she was gifted with an ability to inspire, love deeply and share hope with all of us. She’s a special girl.”

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