Akron Children's Hospital is a special place for our family. Our journey with ACH began in the genetics department leading us to three rounds of IVF. After finally getting pregnant two years later, we met ACH again. This time in the Maternal Fetal Medicine department with an appointment that changed our lives forever when we learned that Giovanna was diagnosed with Vasa Previa – a diagnosis that results in a hospital admittance, a scheduled C-Section at 34 weeks, and hopefully a short NICU stay. 

At 28 weeks Giovanna was admitted to the hospital for what was supposed to be a month of monitoring. In just 44 minutes at 30 weeks our lives forever changed when the unexpectedly expected happened. At 5:03 AM on February 16, 2022 the worse case scenario for a Vasa Previa diagnosis occurred, and at 5:47 AM Antonella Lee Sirna was born thanks to an emergency C-Section that saved both Giovanna and Antonella’s lives.

Although we knew we would meet Akron Children’s Hospital NICU, we could’ve never been fully prepared for what was to come. No one can prepare you for having to meet your child in the NICU through the clear walls of an isolette while on life-saving machines. 

Antonella spent 37 days in Summa’s Akron Children’s Hospital NICU. It’s because of the incredible team of doctors, nurses, and even the janitors, that such a scary and unfamiliar place could even feel like home. 

As a parent with a child in the NICU it’s easy to feel helpless. But the Akron Children’s Hospital NICU team was there for all of us every step of the way. They comforted us during our scariest times and encouraged us to have hope and patience. They cared for our daughter during her most fragile days in ways we couldn’t. They gave her the tools and care to help her continue to develop and grow into the strong warrior she is today. 

Our journey to having our miracle baby wasn't easy but no matter the circumstances, being told your baby would need the NICU is devastating. We are forever thankful for Akron Children’s Hospital for being there every step of the way for us throughout our journey. The level of love and care we received was unmatched. They didn’t just save Antonella, they saved our family. 

No baby or journey is the same – especially in the NICU. We are eternally grateful that we got to take our little miracle home, but we know that many families don’t get to. Our hearts and prayers are forever with those whose stories didn’t end with a carseat challenge and a NICU graduation. 

We'll walk for Antonella and other NICU warriors such as Remi Rodman, Cooper Worley, Landry Pasternak, Paige Stephens and other strong babies we are so proud of. 

The NICU is a place that left an imprint on our hearts forever. There is nothing we can ever give to the place that gave us everything, but any little bit our team can raise for Akron Children's Hospital NICU can help the tiniest warriors perform the biggest miracles. 

Thank you - the Sirna’s, ACH Summa NICU Room #1