Morgan’s CDH Story

Hello, I’m little Morgan Jamey Zeelie, and my family and I are from South Africa.

My journey began with a diagnosis of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), which went undetected despite multiple 4D scans that only revealed a slightly larger kidney. Just five days before my birth, another scan seemed to show that everything was fine. Although the doctors couldn’t see blood pumping out of my heart, they weren’t overly concerned. They did advise my parents to consult a cardiologist after I was born.

Before that could happen, concerns arose about my placenta and amniotic fluid levels, and my parents were sent home. Five days later, I decided it was time to make my grand entrance with a home birth that started smoothly—until I didn’t turn pink after birth.

My midwife and father rushed me to the hospital, where I arrived at the NICU blue and not breathing. Thankfully, my midwife’s quick action with CPR restarted my tiny heart. Shortly after, I had a seizure, and the medical team intubated me and placed me on the highest level of oxygen support available.

I was later transferred to the PICU, where my parents anxiously waited for answers. The diagnosis was severe congenital diaphragmatic hernia, and my right lung was only 20–30% developed. The doctors prepared my parents for the worst, but fortunately, the doctor leading my care had studied in Toronto and was familiar with this condition.

At just one week old, I underwent a three-hour surgery to repair my hernia. During the procedure, my liver and small bowel were placed back into their correct positions, and my heart was freed from the pressure it had been putting on my left lung. Miraculously, the surgery was successful, and I was extubated the same day. I continued to progress from CPAP to high-flow oxygen.

Although I faced a setback with MRSA, I made a full recovery after completing a 14-day course of antibiotics. After 49 incredible days in the PICU, I had a second repair surgery two months later, which also went well.

Today, I am a thriving toddler who celebrated my first birthday in February. My resilience is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. Through this journey, my parents witnessed immense hardship, but they also experienced the power of medical expertise, prayer, and hope.