Just a girl and her Stanley cup (and her feeding tube). 

This week is Feeding Tube Awareness Week — and during Heart Month, it feels especially meaningful for our family.

When we were first told Sabrina needed an NG tube, I fought it hard. I was determined she would take all her milk by mouth no matter what. But when she stopped eating and growing, we knew this was the support she needed.

For Sabrina, because of her heart condition, eating was like running a marathon. I remember crying while holding her in her ICU room, surrounded by a team of doctors, trying to feed her a bottle and watching her heart rate climb all the way to 180 before they made us stop — even though she was hungry. Eating was simply too much work for her little body.

At first, the feeding tube felt terrifying. But it’s been a lifeline. Sabrina’s feeding pump and bag have helped get her home, growing, and strong.

 What once felt scary is now just part of our routine (even if it’s still not always easy).

For some kids, feeding tubes are temporary. For others, they’re needed longer — but either way, they help kids get the nourishment they need to heal and thrive.

Sending so much love to all the tube-fed warriors and families this week