A
vibrant PREVIEW OF THE
2020 SOUTHWEST FLORIDA WINE & FOOD FEST
Ellie, Do You See
Pink
“Ellie likes pink!” exclaimed big brother Connor repeatedly during the 2020 Child Artist painting session. The “astute” 4-year-old seems to know, even appreciate, that his little sister Ellie can see the bright colors on their painting. Yes, she sees pink. She sees everything. And that’s a miracle. SWFL Children’s Charities’ 2020 Child Artist, Eleanor “Ellie” O’Neal was born at just 23 weeks gestation, weighing only 1 pound, 3 ounces. A “micro-preemie,” Ellie was born while still inside her amniotic sac, which likely protected her during her unexpected, early arrival. At their daughter’s birth, Ellie’s parents, Brendan and Christine O’Neal, faced an unthinkable decision – to allow doctors to resuscitate Ellie, or to provide comfort care. “They said comfort care might be the only chance for me to hold her,” remembers Ellie’s mom, Christine. “Doctors painted a difficult picture for Ellie: if she survived, she would likely face a multitude of complications – cerebral palsy, brain bleeds, blindness, or she might not make it at all.” Her parents chose lifesaving intervention, and Ellie’s fight began. “You picture yourself holding your newborn in the hospital, but it would be 37 days until I could hold Ellie,” said Christine. “Throughout her stay, I was at her side, and the Golisano Children’s Hospital NICU became our new normal.” Ellie experienced complications not uncommon for a micropreemie. She suffered a brain bleed and a diagnosis of aggressive Retinopathy of Prematurity, or ROP for short. The lower the gestational age and birth weight, the greater the risk of severe, sight-threatening disease or blindness from ROP. This grim outlook didn’t stop Dr. Jessica Kovarik, pediatric ophthalmologist at Golisano Children’s Hospital, from doing her best to save Ellie’s sight. As a result, Ellie defied the odds and today, she has “normal” vision. “The fight in this little girl is so strong – she’s a warrior,” her dad said, through tears. “Look out world, between her stubbornness and tenacity, I’m confident she will do something amazing.” Rachel Pierce, morning news anchor on NBC-2, is a woman of many talents! Also an artist and mother of four, Rachel generously donated her time and expertise as the 2020 Art Mentor. She worked with Ellie to create “Do You See What I See?” — a painting that celebrates her miraculous recovery and brighter possibilities for the children of Southwest Florida. “Children are so vulnerable,” says Rachel. “They need us to serve as the advocates who can help them start life on the right foot.” 2020 SOUTHWEST FLORIDA WINE & FOOD FEST
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