In 2015, Rachel and Brien Sullivan were expecting their second child, a baby girl named Parker. While patiently waiting for Parker to arrive, they found themselves in an unsettling situation when Rachel’s pregnancy took a turn for the worse. At their 28-week appointment, Rachel’s doctor discovered an abnormal amniotic fluid blockage in their daughter’s abdomen.

The blockage increased for almost a month and a half until Rachel sought treatment at UAB Hospital in Birmingham. Their doctor was helpful and honest about the complications and possibilities of Parker’s complicated arrival. Rachel says, “He was really direct and that’s what I wanted. It didn’t make it less scary, but I felt more prepared.”

With a few weeks left to plan, Rachel looked for housing options in Birmingham and found Red Mountain Grace to be the place she felt most seen and heard. “There were so many unknown variables with Parker’s birth, but securing safe and inexpensive housing helped ease the burden.”

Parker was finally born and transported immediately to the NICU at UAB and then Children’s for surgery.

Rachel and Brien were confident in their doctor’s surgery strategy, but they remained on pins and needles during the surgeryThankfully, her surgery was successful and they found the root of the issue — Parker had Pyloric Atresia. Pyloric atresia is a rare disease (1:100,000 live births) and presents as symptoms of gastric outlet obstruction. The disease is difficult to characterize because it is so rare.

Brien and Rachel stayed in a Red Mountain Grace apartment for almost a month while they studied Parker’s progress. Parker did not eat for twelve days after the surgery, but miraculously, she overcame every obstacle without any side effects. According to her doctor, Parker was a miracle baby.

Her mother reflects on her experience in Birmingham with great gratitude and appreciation. “Red Mountain Grace made such a difference in our lives. The interesting thing is that I lived in Birmingham years ago, but I never knew that I’d be back needing housing for a sick child. An emergent situation like this left us solely focused on caring for our family and providing the love and support that Parker needed. You don’t think about anything else. I didn’t think about my law practice for six months. I only thought how can I bring my baby home?”

She continues, “The fact that I didn’t have to worry about where we're going to sleep or where can I take care of my son took such a burden off of our entire family. My parents were able to come stay at the apartment to help us take care of our young son. We had a safe place to live away from the hospital, and it let me completely focus on Parker. The result is that she’s alive today. It’s amazing to see this little baby with so many problems grow into this spirited little girl.”

Left: Parker after leaving the hospital recovery.

Right: Parker at age 6 with her mother, Rachel.