By Marla Jones, Sports Editor
RAINSVILLE, Ala. — On October14, 2016 at 1:45 a.m., sweet little Nora Rose Malone entered this world weighing 6-pounds and measuring nineteen inches. Proud parents Jacob and Katie Malone was blessed beyond measure.
Katie found out during pregnancy, that Nora Rose had the characteristics of Trisomy 13. According to Wikipedia, “Trisomy 13 or Patau syndrome is a syndrome caused by a chromosomal abnormality, in which some or all of the cells of the body contain extra genetic material from chromosome 13. The extra genetic material disrupts normal development, causing multiple and complex organ defects. This can occur either because each cell contains a full extra copy of chromosome 13 (a disorder known as trisomy 13 or trisomy D), or because each cell contains an extra partial copy of the chromosome." The Malone’s chose not to test for this because sometimes the test could cause preterm labor.
Nora defeated all odds and came off her oxygen in one day! On October 16, Katie was able to have skin on skin time with her perfect blessing and Nora tried out her paci for the first time. She showed promising tongue movements and the specialists began trying out different bottles for her. Nora showed her desire to fight despite her limitations. On October 19, Nora Rose was able to have her IV removed and she had gained back to her birth weight. She was diagnosed with Trisomy 13. With such a diagnosis, babies are usually incompatible with life, but with God all things are possible. At less than three weeks old, , Nora Rose had a tube put in to help aid in feeding. She had some wheezing and breathing issues On November 3, 2016 the Malone’s received the news that Nora Rose would require open heart surgery when she was three months old.
On November 8, 2016, Nora Rose was released from the hospital. During the last few months, we have watched with anticipation on her official Facebook page, Nora Rose Journey, the many milestones she has reached. We have kept track when she had shots, her first Thanksgiving and seeing her be the Christmas miracle in our hearts. We all knew the day was coming when Nora Rose would require open heart surgery, The surgery has been scheduled for February 3, 2017. The costs not covered by insurance can be overwhelming. On January 30, 2017 a fundraiser was held at Topher’s Winghouse in Rainsville. If you missed the fundraiser, donations can still be made and pink Nora Rose bracelets can be purchased at Tophers Winghouse as well.
“After hearing of sweet Nora Rose’s Journey, we felt like we needed to do something for the family. We gladly agreed to host a benefit to help cover medical bills that are not covered by insurance. The Malone’s are members of our community. Living in a small town, we all know each other by name and when one hurts, we all hurt. We were very pleased with the turnout that we had for the benefit. Nora Rose and her family will be in our prayers as she has the surgery on Friday”-Janice Keef
The Plainview Bears Boys and Girls basketball teams dedicated the game on Tuesday to Nora Rose. Team members wore pink Nora Rose jerseys with the number 13 to warm up and before the game. The City of Rainsville and the surrounding areas are all keeping sweet Nora Rose in our prayers.
Please join Southern Torch on Friday in praying for this sweet little lady. Nora Rose, you have inspired all of us to be better!
