Page 10 - CJA_Spirit_Feb2020

From left to right: Caroline, Anna, Susan,
Dr. Pazandak and Dr. Brennan

After spending Halloween,
Thanksgiving, Christmas and
New Year’s at Children’s, the Zeids
finally said their goodbyes to their
Children’s family on January 9, 2019.
Dr. Pazandak did the honors of
discharging Anna – a special moment
for both her and Susan.
And if Susan wasn’t convinced
after her first sign from God that
“I loved the Children’s staff already, was in the care of people who loved Anna would be okay, she was certain
but when I found out that Anna her like their own – she was never when she saw the doctors at Anna’s
was being cared for by not only an nervous to leave. 6-month check-up. Dr. Pazandak
amazing Children’s doctor, but a Anna was doing so well that Susan happened to be the physician
Cor Jesu classmate of mine, I was so says the doctors and nurses made in clinic that day, administering
relieved,” Susan said. her the official mascot of her section Anna’s check-up – and she was
Each time Dr. Pazandak had Anna of the NICU. Anna flourished through accompanied by Dr. Colleen Brennan,
as a patient during her shift, she was every challenge in those first few a 2005 CJ grad, who happened to
sure to stop by Susan’s room and let months of life. She gained weight have red hair…just like Anna.
“Faith-wise, Cor Jesu instilled
her know there was no need to worry. every day and tolerated medication. in me the notion that I was never
CJA CONNECTIONS Lots of faces are coming in and out, due dates, Anna was able to go home was going to get me through tough
“When you’re in these situations,
And while premature babies are
alone,” Susan said. “I knew that God
you see a lot of doctors and nurses.
typically discharged on their actual
times, but I don’t think I fully realized
and it’s overwhelming,” Susan said. “So
five full days before hers.
it until this experience with Anna.
“The doctors told me Anna was a
when you see a familiar face, and it’s
I never felt truly lost, even in these
someone you associate with a place
miracle, and that progress like this
(Cor Jesu) that made you feel so safe
and comfortable, that good feeling
said. “I think Anna was an inspiration
for them.”
comes back. Having Christine as wasn’t typical for the NICU,” Susan dark times.”
Anna’s doctor was my sign from God.”
Eventually, Susan was discharged
from the hospital and was able to
be with Anna in the NICU during
the day, and also go home and keep
a normal family routine with her
4-year-old daughter, Caroline. At
Children’s, Susan knew that Anna

“ Faith-wise, Cor Jesu

instilled in me the

notion that I was
”
never alone.

-SUSAN VIETH ZEID ‘04

8 SPIRIT MAGAZINE SPRING 2020