Access to Expert Care Helps Nyssa to Thrive
November 12, 2021
Nyssa has Turner Syndrome, a chromosomal abnormality that can cause a wide range of life-threatening medical issues. She was originally given a less than 2% chance of surviving to full-term, but Nyssa defied the odds.
Nyssa’s parents were heartbroken to learn that their unborn daughter had Turner Syndrome, a chromosomal abnormality that can cause a wide range of life-threatening medical issues. Nyssa had a less than 2% chance of surviving to full-term.
She was born five weeks early and spent two weeks in the Children’s Hospital Colorado Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, but Nyssa’s challenges didn’t end there. She wasn’t gaining weight, she had blood in her lungs and a sleep test at 18 months revealed that Nyssa’s oxygen levels were dipping to dangerous levels at night. Nyssa was also diagnosed with a heart defect, and she had to use a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine to prevent her airway from collapsing while she slept.
Nyssa was referred to the Turner Syndrome Clinic at Children’s Hospital Colorado, where she was able to access the expert pediatric specialists she needs to thrive.
Initially, Nyssa was treated by multiple departments at Children’s Colorado for her medical challenges, but today at age 6, Nyssa is doing so well that she only requires occasional check-ups at Children’s Colorado, Colorado Springs – and she no longer requires a CPAP machine at night!
“We have been very blessed. To go from thinking that she wouldn’t make it to seeing where Nyssa is today is just awesome. She’s overcome so much,” says her mother, Nicole.
Nyssa’s father, Nakia, is in the military, so having convenient access to Nyssa’s doctors when he is deployed makes a big difference for Nyssa’s mom. Her family is thrilled to have a dedicated pediatric hospital in Colorado Springs, so they can see Nyssa’s specialists closer to their home in southern Colorado.
“I love the Colorado Springs hospital. It’s so convenient, and it gives me peace of mind to bring my daughter to a place that specializes in kids,” says Nicole. “The doctors have all been so amazing.”
Nyssa is now a spunky first grader, who loves singing, dancing, playing pretend and making people smile.
“Nyssa is my sunshine. She keeps us all laughing, and she’s so determined and strong,” says her mother. “I’ve learned so much from her. She’s taught me how to be happy and confident in the face of challenges.”