Bolton-Jordan Family

Just a few days after being diagnosed with HELLP syndrome - a severe condition that is considered a variant of preeclampsia (toxemia) - Kelly Bolton-Jordan gave birth to Whitney on Oct 11, 2000 at 25.5 weeks gestational age weighing one pound ten ounces - just 737 grams.

Whitney spent three months in the NICU and had a diagnosis of chronic lung disease and severe respiratory distress syndrome. She also had trouble with her lungs collapsing and had air in the lining of the lung. She was also born with a hole in her heart, but it was later closed using medication.

Although her entry into the world was rough for many months, Whitney recovered and is doing very well. She received Synagis® (palivizumab) shots for two seasons, and never contracted RSV. Kelly feels the most important thing to know about RSV is that "people need to do everything in their power to prevent it. Realize that it can take their life, in a worst-case scenario. Otherwise, it can be very debilitating."

Since Whitney has done remarkably well, Kelly said she wants to take any opportunity she can to tell her story. "We have been so blessed. Whitney has had no repercussions - only two small scars on her chest. She's perfectly healthy." Whitney was an ambassador for the March of Dimes, and Kelly has done a great deal of public speaking for the March of Dimes. She has also spoken on behalf of the Regional Medical Center, and has done newspaper interviews and TV spots related to her daughter. Kelly was recently a panelist for a hearing before a U.S. Senate subcommittee on issues related to prematurity.