A Reason to Celebrate: Local Family Discovers Hope Amid Uncertainty

What began as an exciting and eventful morning for Garth and Heidi Rohde soon turned into an overwhelming shadow of fear and uncertainty. After 38 weeks of pregnancy the long-awaited due date had arrived and with it, concerning news; the Rohde's first child would be delivered via emergency cesarean to save his life. 

"We had been trying for two years to have a baby, we had gone as far as infertility study with still no luck," Heidi says, "We had given up at that point and told ourselves what was meant to be, will be." The couple discovered they were pregnant with a home test on December 27th, two days before it was confirmed at Sidney Regional Medical Center, just four months after they had quit trying to have a family. "I thought maybe I had the flu, but the feeling wouldn't go away," Heidi comments, "I decided to take a pregnancy test and they all showed negative until the 27th." The eager couple was delighted to see a baby on their ultrasound, "Before it didn't feel true; the first time we ever saw him it made both of us cry. We were so happy and so in love."

With a baby shower in June and then the finishing of the nursery in early July, Baby Raylan was soon to arrive and his parents were ready. With certain joys, soon came uncertainties for the Rohde family. Diagnosed with gestational diabetes the couple was referred to Anschutz Medical Campus - Children's Hospital in Aurora, Colorado for a routine induction. The Rohde family began their day with breakfast and a comfort movie, "The Princess Bride," since the couple had been told by the doctor not to expect their baby before 6:00 pm. The couple relaxed, it was only 9:00 am. 

Around noon Heidi took medication to kickstart the process of labor, ten minutes later she reported nausea to the nurse. As the nurse searched on the monitor, a low heartbeat was registered. Immediately an emergency cesarean was performed, and little Raylan Rohde came into the world on Thursday, July 25th at 12:19 pm weighing 5 lbs and 14 oz. Then the waiting game began. 

What should have been one of the Rohde's happiest days of their life quickly took a drastic turn. Instead of preparing to take home the baby they had yearned for, for years, they were running labs to indicate any permanent complications Raylan may have, just minutes after being born. 

Immediately intubated; Doctors began the extensive process of "cooling" the brain to assess damage. Kept sedated during the process, an official diagnosis was delivered for Raylan, HIE: Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy - a type of brain damage caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain before or shortly after birth. It affects the central nervous system, and babies born with HIE may have neurological or developmental problems.

It is, unfortunately, a common occurrence for newborns with a difficult labor and delivery. In the severe cases, this can lead to permanent brain damage, and in the most extreme it proves to be fatal. 

Faced with the jarring news, the Rohdes stood by over the next few days as their son experienced multiple seizures. Dealing with new medications, Raylan's tiny body was left in a "dream-like" stupor where he could physically feel touch but was unable to open his eyes or react. The reality of bringing home Raylan to their quaint Sidney home rested in the back of their minds as talks of cerebral palsy, and potential life-long therapies were openly discussed. Anxious for the newly written realities ahead, the Rohdes awaited the fate of their newborn son. 

July 29th presented the family with good news, removal of the seizure medication for Raylan and a chest X-RAY revealed zero abnormalities, with an MRI conducted the same day. July 30th gifted the new parents with what they call "the best day" and what the Rohde family considers a miracle, little Raylan's MRI results showed no damage. Further good news, the Ronald McDonald House had an opening for the Rohde family only 20 minutes away from Raylan's hospital. Things were looking up for the new family, and after five long days of patiently waiting, the proud parents finally held the baby boy they had been longing for in their arms. 

August 24th presented new surprises; now officially taken off of is feeding tube, Raylan was successfully consuming 70% of his feedings. Eating until he's full, this milestone was one step closer to Raylan's journey home. 

Facing the end of one of the scariest and hardest times in the Rohdes' life, Heidi and Garth have many thanks to give. To the many friends, family, and strangers who contributed to their journey, whether by friendly words, affirmations, or monetary donations. Without the help of others, the road home would've been even more tumultuous. "We have been completely overwhelmed by the generosity of our community," Heidi stated. "The amount of well wishes, prayers, support, and love have been so incredible and so impactful! We will never forget how you made our hearts swell in awe and appreciation."

A special thank you goes out to the grandparents of Raylan: Mitch and Sheri Rohde, and Angelia Bleck. "We wanted to share our deepest love and gratitude to our parents. They have traveled weekly to offer their love, support, and snuggles to Raylan," the couple comments, "They bring with them a sense of home which has been much needed, not to mention all the treats and goodies."

The Rohde family was blessed with the tremendous support and understanding of Garth's employer, Panhandle Auto Group, their church, and all the other donations possible to keep them comfortable while being in Aurora with their son.

The couple is adamant to point out the wonderful program at The Ronald McDonald House. "Staying at the RMH has made such an impact, we encourage everyone to do research about this organization and how to donate money, or supplies to this program," the Rohde's say, "This is a comforting place for your family to stay while loved ones are in the hospital." 

With a tentative release of this weekend or next week in the books for the Rohde family, Raylan and his parents are eager to be home in Sidney. But while they are still in Colorado they encourage, "Please OOHH and AWWW over these precious photographs of our baby, Raylan! We cannot wait to show him off to our community!"

If you are interested in making a tax deductible donation to the Ronald McDonald House you can do so by visiting their online website: rmhc.org/donate.

PHOTOS COURTESY/ROHDE FAMILY 

Author Bio

Kelsey Arrington, Staff Reporter

Cheyenne County native, local business owner.