Connor’s miracle

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How remarkable care saved the life of one happy baby

Immediately after Connor Loomis was born at Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center in June 2020, he was in the fight of his life. He kept spitting up and he wasn’t digesting properly. What was supposed to be a joyous welcome home quickly turned into a nightmare.

The morning after Connor was discharged from Presbyterian Medical Center, his pediatrician sent him and his parents to the pediatric intensive care unit at Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital.

For first-time parents, Kurt and Sara Loomis, what came next felt like a blur. When they arrived, Connor was very dehydrated. Novant Health team members worked hard to provide him with nutrients as they performed tests. Soon, the diagnosis was clear. Connor had intestinal malrotation and volvulus, a rare condition where the bowel is twisted and obstructed. 

The Loomises met with pediatric surgeon Andrew M. Schulman, MD, who educated them on Connor’s condition and a treatment plan.

“Dr. Schulman made it clear we had to act fast and it was time to start making some decisions,” Sara said. “Connor went into surgery that hour.”

Over the course of a week, Dr. Schulman performed four surgeries on Connor, removing his appendix and about 80% of his small intestine. All the while, the Loomises tried to manage their emotions. With these surgeries taking place during the COVID-19 pandemic, friends and family were unable to be by their side, due to safety protocols.

But Novant Health team members stepped up to comfort them. Just by happenstance, Sara learned that a doctor and nurse on the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) had worked with her aunt at a hospital in Rochester, New York, which made her feel at ease. From that moment on, the Loomises got to know everyone on the PICU floor.

“When we were sad, all the nurses would give us a pep talk, just make us smile or just go out of their way to help us,” Sara said. “They even ordered flowers on my birthday.”

Connor’s surgeries were a success, and the Loomises were so grateful for Dr. Schulman’s hard work and professional demeanor. They consider him a miracle worker.

“When we first spoke to Dr. Schulman, I just remember the floor being pulled out from under me with just this feeling of helplessness.” Kurt said. “We didn’t know what to expect. But Dr. Schulman saved his life. He was so quick to act.”

After the operation, Connor was slated for a long recovery to monitor and avoid complications from short bowel syndrome. The Novant Health team educated the Loomises on Connor’s prognosis while he recuperated. After six weeks in the PICU and the pediatric floor, Connor was well enough to recover, though he would still require a gastrostomy tube (G-tube) for some time.

“I’m just so grateful, not only for the care that they gave Connor, but for the care that they gave us,” Sara said. “They taught us what to look out for, how to be prepared, how to take care of a baby. Once we made it home, they connected us with a family whose baby had a similar situation in the area. So now we’re friends with them.”

Today, Connor has been recovering even faster than expected. He receives nutrition orally and has recently had his G-tube removed. Now, he’s a happy baby at a median height and weight.

“They said it would take a couple of weeks for him to learn how to use a bottle or pacifier, and he did it within 15 minutes,” Kurt said. “It’s just remarkable how far he’s come along.”

After six weeks at Hemby Children’s Hospital, the Loomises are appreciative of the doctors and nurses who stood by their side and feel forever connected to them.

“They really went above and beyond for us from the moment we got there to the moment we left,” Kurt Loomis said. “This was something no parent should ever have to experience, but they made us feel right at home and kept our spirits up as much as possible. And they were there whenever we needed them. It was an incredible experience.”

Sara shared her appreciation for the generous donors who made the remarkable care at Hemby Children’s Hospital possible.

“If it weren’t for the doctors and nurses, we wouldn’t have our first baby,” Sara said. “It’s so important to provide this care to families with sick children. Any funding that can go to make it a better experience for everyone is truly life-changing.”