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- [S24] The Newport Plain Talk, (http://www.newportplaintalk.com), 6 Mar 2014.
ELI’S MIRACLE MAKERS
PHOTO SUBMITTED When Eli William Gilbert was born, he weighed one pound and 15 ounces and measured 14 inches long. His parents, Justin and Katie Gilbert of Parrottsville, are thankful for Eli’s progress and continue to raise awareness about premature births through the March of Dimes. Gilbert family names grant in son’s honor
©2014 NPT PHOTO BY MIRANDA SMITH Last year the March of Dimes team raised more than $10,000, allowing them to create a grant of their choice. The ‘Eli’s Promise to Preemies-Healthy Beginnings Grant’ is expected to help more than 72 women in the East Tennessee area. Mike Gilbert from Victory Lanes Bowling Center made a donation in honor of his grandson. He is seen here holding Eli and presenting a check to Lisa Gates, the March of Dimes community director of the Appalachian division.
By MIRANDA SMITH
Justin and Katie Gilbert were thrilled to learn they were expecting their second child in early November 2012. Katie had an ordinary pregnancy, except for the occasional stint of morning sickness.
At 23 weeks pregnant, Katie suffered heavy bleeding and was immediately taken to UT Medical Center. Statistics were not very hopeful for their unborn baby boy. If he were born, he would only have a ? ve percent chance of survival. He only had a 12 percent chance of life without severe disabilities.
Three weeks later, Eli William Gilbert was born. He weighed one pound and 15 ounces and measured 14 inches long. Those extra weeks elevated Eli’s chance of survival to 70 percent.
Still, the Gilbert family’s journey with prematurity had just begun. Eli received a synthetic form of surfactant to help his underdeveloped lungs. The surfactant used had actually been developed through research funded by the March of Dimes. Eli was pronounced anemic, meaning he had to receive several blood transfusions.
Inguinal hernias are a common complication of prematurity, so Eli underwent surgery to repair his bilateral hernias. Following surgery, he was placed on a ventilator for two days. After 84 days in the NICU, Eli was ? nally able to join his family at home.
Eli is now 17-months-old. Given his complications, he should be developing close to three and a half months behind schedule. Thankfully, Eli hits every milestone around one month behind what is expected.
Justin and Katie could not be more thankful for Eli’s progress, and they continue to raise awareness through the March of Dimes. “We ? ght because Eli’s story could have easily been much different,” said Katie. “Not every baby born prematurely has such a good outcome. We hope that one day no parent will have to walk this journey. We hope that no baby will have to ? ght for their life.”
In 2013, the Gilbert’s entered a team in the March for Babies in Greeneville. The team, named Eli’s Miracle Makers, raised over $10,000 for the March of Dimes. This accomplishment allowed them to name a grant in their son’s honor: the Eli’s Promise to Preemies— Healthy Beginnings Grant.
Of the money raised, nearly $2,000 came from Eli’s grandfather, Mike Gilbert, on behalf of Victory Lanes Bowling Center in Newport.
The Gilberts have been named the Ambassador Family for the 2014 March for Babies at Laughlin Memorial Hospital. The event will take place on April 26th. The Gilberts hope to gain support from different businesses in both Newport and Greeneville.
One of their major fundraisers will be selling t-shirts. Last year they sold over 400. Anyone interested in walking at the 2014 March for Babies or making a donation can ? nd more information on Facebook at “Eli’s Miracle Maker” or can visit www.marchforbabies.org to join the team.
Katie Gilbert is originally from Greeneville, Tenn. and works as a Registered Nurse at Laughlin Memorial Hospital. Justin Gilbert is a Captain at the Newport Fire Department. Eli’s big sister, Lilly, is eight years old and attends Del Rio Elementary School.
- [S58] Marriage Certificate.
Groom's Name Bride's First Name Bride's Maiden Name County Date of Marriage File #
GILBERT JUSTIN L KATHERINE BECKETT COCKE 09-30-2006 63896
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Abt 2012 - (~ 12 years)
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