DITELLA FAMILY

In February of 2023, Luke and Melissa DiTella, and soon to be big brother Rhodes, were eagerly and patiently awaiting the arrival of their newest family member. With nearly a month to go, everything seemed to be going according to plan, and they never expected the 36^th week of Melissa’s pregnancy to change everything. 

When they arrived at Monmouth Medical Center (MMC), Melissa was filled with uncertainty while she was experiencing the physical signs of labor. The medical team felt it best to admit her for overnight observation. However, her situation escalated quickly and emergency surgery was necessary. Despite everything looking like it would be fine when she went into the operating room, their son, Redford Ames DiTella was born on February 13, 2023, with no signs of life, not breathing and without a heartbeat.

Melissa remained in emergency surgery, while the incredible MMC Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) team quickly whisked Redford away. The skilled NICU staff performed CPR on Redford for nine minutes, saving his life. Shortly after, Dad, Luke, was in the room with his newborn as the situation was explained to him.  “It was difficult to watch our son lay there, but the team was transparent and explained everything in the easiest way so I could understand it in these critical moments. Processing everything that was happening around me was a blur, and they brought a sense of peace during the challenging scene that was unfolding in front of me. They are truly angels on earth,” said Luke.

After surgery, Melissa’s traumatic experience would leave some feeling broken, but her head and her heart were hopeful because she knew Redford was in the best hands.  Her son was receiving around the clock care and compassion from the right team of people, as they acted as the extension of her heart to his. Redford spent just shy of a month in the NICU. Melissa believed deep down that the NICU would make them whole again, and they would be home as a family of four before they knew it - even if that timeline felt forever away at the time.  “The NICU team was amazing. It is the family that you never expected to be a part of, and once you are, you’re welcome by everyone with open arms,” Melissa said.

On Redford’s due date, by a poetic twist of fate, Luke and Melissa were informed by the NICU team that he was ready to go home. Luke said, “I cannot quantify the gratitude we have for the NICU team and to know we could finally bring him home. This place felt like an extension of our family, and it is because of them, we were able to even have this moment.”

BABY RICKY

Two and a half years ago we rushed to the hospital in the middle of the night, more afraid than we’ve ever been. Ricky came into the world without a sound, three months early.

He fought to breathe and spent time on a ventilator. He fought an infection and received transfusions. He fought every day of his 81-day stay.

Today Ricky is thriving. He loves reading books together and listening to the Beatles. He loves playing on the playground and going on hikes. We are so proud of him, our miracle, who has grown, persevered, and shown the world just how awesome he can be.

We are deeply thankful for the vigilance and compassion of his care team at Monmouth Medical Center. It was their tireless care and dedication to Ricky that saw us through our stay. We’d like to give special recognition to Dr. Kale who cared for Ricky when he was born, and to Ricky’s primary care nurses who are angels in scrubs.