Premature Baby Colt is Now Healthy & Happy Thanks to the Generosity of Others
Ledger Family Received Much-Needed Help from the Angel Fund, NicView™ Cameras, and Gift of Life Housing
On October 6, 2017, Davin Buffington delivered her son, Colt, via emergency C-section, eight weeks before his due date. Weighing in at just 3 pounds and 15 ounces, Colt and his mom would face several frightening challenges over the following months.
Thankfully, the Buffington family received invaluable help from the Angel Fund, NicView cameras, and Gift of Life Housing, providing comfort during this distressing time.
Colt spent 47 days in the Benefis Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) so he could receive expert care as he suffered through apnea episodes and digestive issues.
After giving birth, Davin spent five days in the hospital receiving treatment for pre-eclampsia and HELLP syndrome. She was readmitted to the hospital several times due to gallstones and was diagnosed with antiphospholipid syndrome, which was causing blood clots in her kidney and spleen. During this time, she was separated from Colt in the NICU, which made a painful experience even worse.
“Even with all the scary things that were happening, the doctors and nurses were all amazing and I wouldn’t have changed anything. It was the best experience it could have possibly been, given the circumstances.”
–DAVIN BUFFINGTON
“All I wanted was to see my baby. The NicView camera came in so handy, it was very comforting to be able to log on and see Colt whenever I wanted.”
When Davin’s husband Casey returned to work, he was able to feel closer to Colt thanks to the NicView camera. They were also grateful to give their out-of-town family members access to the NicView camera so they could virtually meet the new baby.
Staying at Benefis, an hour-and-a-half away from their home near Ledger, was hard on the entire family including Colt’s older siblings, Jaxon and Cashlyn. The Buffington family felt blessed to have the opportunity to stay at Gift of Life while Colt was in the NICU.
“Our paperwork for Gift of Life was already filled out for us, all we had to do was sign. To not have to worry about the expense of a hotel when you are already worrying about the life of your child was amazing.”
–DAVIN BUFFINGTON
Once Colt was discharged, only three days passed before they were back in the Benefis Emergency Department. Colt was experiencing severe health problems and was flown to Spokane to receive more advanced treatment for what was suspected to be Hirschsprung’s Disease. Fortunately, it was a treatable milk protein allergy. They were supported by the Angel Fund, which helped cover costs from flights and lodging.
Eight months later, Colt is healthy and doing wonderfully. “He’s rolling everywhere and smiles at everybody.” The Buffington family hopes their story will inspire donors to aid more families in need. “No matter what size, your donations will mean the world to someone. Lots of people asked us what they could do to help after Colt was born—donating to these programs is something that truly helps.”
“The emergency trip to Spokane was very unexpected. I didn’t even have a change of clothes, but we had to get on the plane immediately. It was such a relief to receive that gift from the Angel Fund.”
We need your help—it costs over $4,600 each year to service and support the NicView cameras, and 14 more cameras are still needed to equip each NICU room.
