A baby who was on the verge of death when a birthmark began to obstruct her airway is now making a remarkable recovery.
Mia Rogers was rushed to the hospital at the age of five weeks after her parents realized she was wheezing loudly while breathing.
Mia was transported to the paediatric intensive care unit when they arrived at the hospital in May of last year, where she spent seven days on a ventilator before going into surgery. Then cameras were inserted down her neck to see what was blocking her airways.
‘After seeing Mia, the team decided to intubate her and put her on artificial ventilation to assist her breathe so she could be safely transported back to London,’ says her mother, Sophie Collins, 32.
‘It was terrifying. The team had to warn us that she may die since they didn’t know what was in her airway.
‘The procedure took around three and a half hours. The wait was agonizing, but the operation was successful, and we were able to take Mia home after a few more days in the hospital.’
Mia was diagnosed with an uncommon disorder called a subglottic haemangioma, a birthmark forming in her throat that prevented her from breathing correctly, after three of these treatments.
A haemangioma is a grouping of tiny blood vessels under the skin that are commonly referred to as “strawberry markings.”
A subglottic haemangioma is a kind of haemangioma that develops in the airway behind the vocal cords.
Her health had deteriorated at Medway Maritime Hospital in Gillingham, Kent, and she had been transported to Evelina London Children’s Hospital under a blue light by the South Thames Retrieval Service.
Mia’s doctors claimed they only see around two occurrences of this illness every year, and the rate at which it expanded in Mia’s case was also unusual.
The ill little girl was put on medication right away to help shrink the mass, and she was ultimately able to return home to St Mary’s Island in Chatham, Kent, after 13 days.
Mia began to deteriorate a few months later, in October. Doctors discovered that the haemangioma had not entirely reacted to the beta blockers and had continued to develop, necessitating surgery for the child.
Mia had the procedure again ten days later, this time to remove a large portion of the mass that was blocking her airways, this time by going down her throat.
The now one-year-old has grown in leaps and bounds since the procedure.
‘Mia is so much better in herself now,’ Sophie adds. She is incredibly lovable and always eager for a cuddle. She also enjoys spending time with her older sister, Isla.
‘Jon (Mia’s father) couldn’t stay with me because of the Covid restrictions. I had a lot of questions, but the staff was fantastic and answered them all calmly and clearly.
‘They helped me to get some accommodation to stay on site, first at Evelina London, then at Ronald McDonald House close by.’
Mia is still under the care of Evelina London that regularly checks on her progress, as it is possible for the haemangioma to grow again until it naturally shrinks away around the age of 18 months.
The family has since raised more than £5,800 to thank staff for saving their daughter’s life.
Exactly a year after she was taken to hospital – on May 8 – dad Jon Rogers ran the route the ambulance took between Medway and Evelina, part of Guy’s and St Thomas near Waterloo in central London.
The 34-year-old was joined by friends and family at various points throughout the 34-mile trek and fiancée Sophie ran alongside him for the first and last five miles.
He completed the challenge – which was almost six miles further than a marathon – in six hours and five minutes.
Sophie says: ‘The second that the Evelina London team saw Mia, we knew we were in safe hands. They gave me so much support and care at a time when I needed it most. Without them, Mia could have died.’
Care home manager Jon adds: ‘The ear, nose and throat team who care for Mia are superb and have gone above and beyond on so many occasions and we will be forever grateful for everything they have done for us.
‘The run was tough both physically and mentally, however the motivation from friends and family on the day was incredible, all I needed to do was put one foot in front of the other. I cannot thank Evelina London enough.’
The consultant who treated Mia and covers the South East, usually only has two cases per year and said the rate it grew in Mia’s case was also very uncommon.
‘I am very heartened to see Mia thriving following her challenging start in life,’ says Dr Victoria Possamai, consultant children’s ear, nose and throat surgeon. ‘It continues to be a privilege to look after her in partnership with her parents.
‘I would like to say a huge thank you to them both, and to everyone who took part in their run, for fundraising for Evelina London.’