Salmon Arm’s Brianna McLellan and little unborn Ollie have already made Ronald McDonald House in Vancouver their home, although it wasn’t expected to be necessary quite so soon.
Ollie, the son of Brianna and Chad McLellan, is due to be born on July 21. He suffers from a hernia – a congenital diaphragmatic hernia. It is diagnosed in just one in 2,500 babies per year. Ollie’s diaphragm hasn’t fully formed, so his abdominal organs have pushed up into his chest cavity. His little heart has been pushed to one side and there’s little space left for his lungs to grow.
However, that hasn’t stopped Ollie from growing. Brianna’s sister Deidra Staley reports that Ollie, who is currently breech, measured 44 weeks at Brianna’s 33-week appointment.
“He’s already such a little trouble maker,” Staley joked.
As well, Brianna has developed polyhydramnios or excess amniotic fluid, which is a trigger for pre-term delivery, she explained. Consequently the doctors at BC Women’s Hospital wanted her in Vancouver right away.
“She give us updates regularly, and is mostly in love with the cleanliness and comfort of the RMH. My mom and Brianna’s daughter are there with Brianna, as she isn’t allowed to be alone. Chad and the boys took a trip down there this past weekend and they all had a great visit.”
Ollie is the baby brother of Bryson, Carter and Peyton who are 11, 9 and 5.
Staley adds: “She is definitely feeling ‘over pregnant’ and everyone is very excited to meet Ollie. His presence is known... He isn’t making a very quiet entrance into this world.”
Once Ollie is born, he will be whisked away from Brianna to receive a series of corrective surgeries. He is then expected to spend up to six months in hospital.
Friends have set up an account to help with expenses. To donate, go to a Salmon Arm Savings & Credit Union location where an Ollie McLellan trust account has been set up.