etie Pie! Dr. Sadiq says Timmy arrived at the NICU with many of the health problems common to babies of early gestation. “He had breathing difficulties because the lungs are immature. Because of the small size, these babies need to be in an incubator to keep them warm. Feeding and nutrition is a big problem because we can’t feed them the full amounts they need right away,” he explains. While Timmy initially experienced all these problems, Dr. Sadiq says he was weaned from mechanical ventilation quickly and progressed very well. Throughout most of Timmy’s five-month stay in the NICU, his fairly uneventful and routine progress — breathing on his own and gaining weight gram by gram — was documented by the “Welcome to Sweetie Pie’s” crew. Onsite throughout Timmy’s stay, the crew respected SSM Cardinal Glennon’s privacy, security and infection regulations. “It worked out fine,” says Dr. Sadiq. “They didn’t film while we talked to Timmy’s mom and dad in our daily conferences.” He compliments Wallick’s
Proud grandmother, Robbie Montgomery, grateful to have Timmy home
discharge, he developed an infection so severe that he ended up back on a highfrequency ventilator and required medications to support his blood pressure and heart. “He was very critical at that time. He had been here for 3 1/2 months and was doing so well when he became so sick. It was a very difficult time for his mom and family,” Dr. Sadiq says.
“I want TJ to be healthy… as long as he is healthy, he can do whatever his heart desires.” management of Timmy’s needs with the crew’s desire to document his progress, saying, “Mom was very, very particular. Jenae’s a fantastic person and a fantastic mother.” In fact, it was Wallick who imposed additional restrictions on the crew. “There were times I’d say, ‘No, you can’t come back,’ if Timmy was having a rough time or anything was going on,” Wallick says. After progressing without setback, and just about the time Timmy’s NICU caregivers were looking toward his
T
Through it all, Timmy had an extraordinary support system from the Wallick, Norman and Montgomery families. Whether it was Wallick, her parents or other family members, “We always had someone here with him,” Wallick says. With the difficult challenge of managing a business and a “family in crisis,” Norman says he somehow juggled each responsibility. “I came to the hospital every day, and nights I stayed in the parents’ rooms downstairs. I went to work because it was better for me to deal with the situation by getting back to normal. I knew TJ was in good hands here,” Norman says.
His ever-vigilant grandmother also visited Timmy daily in the NICU. “TJ was my first priority then, and still is now,” Montgomery says. She’s extremely proud of her grandson and hopes that, from her, he will learn to “stay prayerful and trust that prayer answers everything.” She also hopes that as TJ grows, he’ll learn that “patience and perseverance is the way.” Montgomery is testimony to that life lesson, explaining, “My proudest moment was the opening of Upper Crust (Sweetie Pie’s most recent addition in Grand Center). It’s my own building and in a neighborhood where, as a young girl, I wasn’t even allowed to eat in restaurants due to my race. Now, I am an owner and living my dream. Living his dream is what I wish for my grandson.” After recovering from his setback, Timmy left the NICU at 5 months of age and a developmental or adjusted age of 2 months. “It’s how the doctors adjust for the delays in development and milestones for preemies,” Wallick explains. “He’s been hitting all his milestones. There really isn’t anything they’re concerned with, and that’s fantastic. We’ve been very, very blessed and fortunate.” Miss Robbie’s hopes and dreams for her Sweetie Pie’s family include continuing health and happiness. “I want TJ to be healthy. As long as he is healthy, he can do whatever his heart desires. I pray that Jenae and Tim make it down the aisle next year. They have had a rough year, and they deserve to be happy. I also want them to have a couple more grandchildren for me to spoil!” As the entertainer/entrepreneur knows so well, watch here “patience and perseverance is the way.”
EA STAR IS BORN
Timmy and mom, Jenae Wallick, visit with Dr. Sadiq after his regular check up.
SWEETIE PIE TIMMY NORMAN
glennon.org Fall 2012 • 39