The "Sky"s the limit!

Skylar Samuel Peneff Mackey-Chalykoff, such a big name for a mighty little boy!

Here is some of his story, 

Born on July 25th of 2017 at a little over  3 months premature, Skylar spent his first 4 months in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) and on 4East at CHEO.   "He opened his eyes for the first time when he was one week old, and as I looked into his open and hopeful eyes, I saw his determination and the pureness of his amazing little spirit, full of life, awe, and wonder."

While strong out of the gate, the family found out that he had a heart defect.  He also had some other complications, including various other heart problems, one of which required surgery. Subsequently, he contracted a serious infection called Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC), perforating his bowel and leading him to surgery number two. Before coming home from the hospital after four months, he had his third surgery, to remove the ostomy received in the second. Plus throw in some circulatory issues, blood transfusions, secondary infections, blood clots resulting in losing the very tips of two of his toes and the re-absorption of his left kidney (leaving him with only the right kidney). During Skylars stay in the NICU, we were asked a couple of separate times to meet with one of his Nurses, the Neonatologist and Social Worker in the 'Quiet Room' - while they tried as gently as possible to prepare us for the worst. During these times, Skylar was on ventilation and Jet-ventilation, on steady infusions of strong pain medications, and was not concious, Etc...

As Skylar had some complex issues, some of which were puzzling - the doctors and nurses had to think 'outside the box' and use different and new therapies that had not been used before... Perhaps these therapies will also help other children in future!

...But, do you know what? Due to the combination of the AMAZING determination of our baby boy Skylar and the Tremendous EXCELLENCE and compassionate care given to our boy and to us as a family unit by CHEO, the life of our miraculous baby boy and that of our family has been saved and strengthened!

CHEO has almost become our 'home away from home'.  Skylar is currently being followed by numerous specialists at CHEO such as Hematology (in CHEOs Medical Day Unit), Nephrology, Cardiology, Neurology, General Surgery, Genetics, Plastic surgery (due a blood clotting disorder he almost lost his entire foot but luckily with a new treatment he only lost the tips of two toes), ID, Ophthalmology, Social work, the Ottawa Children's Treatment Centre, Etc. These frequent trips to CHEO occur on an ongoing basis.

Suffice to say, our tiny Human has fought like a Champion - continually surprising doctors and nurses with his resilience and strength, often exhibiting wizard level recovery. He fought harder in his first four months than anybody ought to. But most importantly he's now home, and with the continued support and help of CHEO, Skylar is thriving and on his way to his FIRST BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!

 Skylars big brother Lucas Allan Peneff Mackey-Chalykoff...... Lucas also has a tremendous story that involves CHEO helping him through his various medical difficulties and helping him to become the amazing big brother and the coolest toddler I know!

It is indeed with extreme gratitude and indescribable THANKS to the medical support, doctors, staff (from the custodial staff, to the child life specialists, and nurses, doctors, volunteers, etc.)... and the medical equipment, family support and dedication of the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario - that our family is able to conquer medical challenges and be positive about of our future! I feel personally, by saving the lives of my children that CHEO has also saved my life and all that my boys, my family, and myself will contribute to the world.

Aside from my amazing strong boys, I have many heroes - most of them wear scrubs, all of them work at CHEO.

Please help CHEO to continue supporting children and families in need by donating to the CHEO Foundation through this page, any amount helps!

Written by Skylar and Lucas' Mom for the CHEO Foundation.