Roland Spencer-Bibbs

Story posted 02/02/05

Within 24 hours of his birth, Roland Spencer-Bibbs of Indianapolis was in pulmonary distress. His mother Rebecca's family doctor, who had attended the birth, knew where Roland could get the treatment he would need and the baby was transported immediately to Riley Hospital for Children.

Riley's Dr. William Engle determined that a procedure known as ECMO would be required. This is a life-saving measure that allows oxygen to circulate through the body while the lungs are healing. The procedure involves surgery, blood transfusions, and the use of blood thinners.

Three weeks later, Roland was sent home on oxygen. He continued to be seen by Riley specialists in the pulmonary and developmental clinics for two years and was monitored by neurologists until he was 4. Today Rebecca says, "I came to realize how fortunate I was to have such an advanced pediatric medical facility in my hometown."

Roland is now in the third grade at Cardinal Elementary School in Brownsburg. His mother says he loves riding his bicycle, playing with Yu-Gi-Oh action figures and taking ballet classes at Ballet Internationale`s Clara R. Noyes Academy.