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Richie and I on KSL.

click here to open post May 08, 2011 | posted in Baby Gavin, Sounds of Pertussis | 49 comments

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

Reporter Jennifer Stagg did a fantastic job on our family’s feature that ran tonight on KSL in UT. Of all the interviews I’ve given over the last year and a half, this one was by far the most well done. (Just one quick thing, the piece mentions that we traveled with Gavin at 1 week old. He was actually 2 months old when we took that trip.) PLEASE share this video! We need to spread this important information any way we can. Here is the direct link to Gavin’s story on KSL. From there you can easily tweet, like on facebook or get the embed code to post this video to a blog or website.

Go Gavin GO!

49 comments | add comment
  • Lindy Baker: Wow. I'm bawling yet once again. This was such a great reminder to everyone who hasn't been vaccinated. Thank you for sharing your story again Natalie. May 8, 2011 7:31 pm
  • marie rose: in tears and wishing you NOTHING but the best my dear friend! May 8, 2011 7:41 pm
  • Emily Henning: Extremely emotional. Thinking of you on this Mother's Day and I know Gavin is smiling down on his mama. You are amazing and strong for sharing your story and spreading the word for this important cause. May 8, 2011 7:45 pm
  • kennan: just saw this. again, your story broke my heart. natalie, you are making this tragedy into something beautiful with your passion for pertussis awareness. i still think of you and your story often. i had my newest son 3 months ago and everyday i think of what you went through. I CANNOT IMAGINE. thank you for being you, beautiful and strong. you are inspiring. oh and you can be SURE i asked for the pertussis shot before we left... all thanks to you. May 8, 2011 8:22 pm
  • Ashley: Those pictures are so beautiful. You're right, after it's all said and done, all you have are those pictures and the memories. You guys are absolutely amazing to help spread awareness. I hope your Mother's Day has been wonderful and so special. May 8, 2011 9:52 pm
  • Marti: Beautifully done story. *hugs* May 9, 2011 1:08 am
  • belinda olsen: The piece done being ksl was very moving and brought me to tears. Today I will schedule myself to have all of my vaccinations up to date! Thank you for sharing your story to help save others. from your heartache others will be made whole. May 9, 2011 3:36 am
  • NataLee Callahan: I got the link to your story off of twitter... watched it and am crying big elephant tears. I am 8 months pregnant with a horrible cough/cold right now. I have a dr. appt. this week and will definitely talk to him about getting vaccinated. Who knows, maybe your story is going to help keep our newborn son safe. May 9, 2011 3:52 am
  • dawn beirnes: this was a fantastic and loving video. I am soon going to have my second grandchild, so I have some questions (basically because I'm pretty clueless!). As far as I know, I have never had a pertussis vaccine. My children did...but they are now 30 (pregnant daughter), 27 and 21. I'm guessing that along with my daughter, my two sons should get the vaccine? My youngest son lives at home, so he will be around the new baby alot. My husband works in a hospital, so he will definitely get the vaccine, and I will as well. Are there any other things I need to know? My son-in-law should get it as well? He has 2 children, ages 16 and 12, so do they need to get it also? I hope I'm not asking too many questions. Thank you, baby Gavin. You are saving lives! May 9, 2011 4:18 am
  • NataLee Callahan: Me again. Okay, so I am thoroughly worried now. Including our baby who is due to arrive in the first of July, we have a 16 month old who has been struggling for months with Pertussis like symptoms. Drs. have told us everything from Croup (3x), to asthma, to a cold (it's been going on since January)... but we've been wondering why that causes him to throw up mucus all the time... and why he's not better yet. I am going to have him tested for pertussis now, but do you know when he will be fully vaccinated... so he doesn't get his newborn brother sick, even though the rest of us are going to get vaccinated against it? Thanks for sharing your story. I am convinced. May 9, 2011 4:29 am
  • Heidi: Thank you so much for sharing you story! As soon as I watched your clip on KSL last night I first broke into tears as I was so fortunate to be holding my 4 month old healthy baby boy. Then second, I found the link on KSL website & put it as my facebook status. I am so adamant about immunizations since working in Heathcare. Your story is so heart breaking but so powerful to get the message across. Gavin is definately making a differance! Thanks again for sharing your message! May 9, 2011 6:29 am
  • Maren: My heart breaks all over again for your sweet family, Natalie. Especially knowing now that you may have been the one who passed pertussis on to Gavin. But thank you for being so willing to share your experience, and in the process to save so many lives. We are expecting our first little boy in about a week - Because of you and Gavin, we have asked everyone to make sure they have their T-dap - mine will be done in the hospital. You are wonderful, Natalie and Richie!!! May 9, 2011 6:42 am
  • Dana Garner: I just wanted to say thank you! Your story last night on KSL was beautiful and had my entire family watching in tears! Your example was very inspiring to me and I now want to get invovled to help make people aware of pertussis..especially moms to be! My story is similar to yours in that we were living on Oahu when my son was born in August...a few weeks later my husband and I got a cough that we figured was just a cold/cough. When my son was 3 months old we moved to Utah for work and just a few weeks later my son started coughing! I, like you was not properly educated about pertussis and had not been revaccinated before he was born. My son was also misdiagnosed and continued coughing! Finially we were able to get the right diagnosis and get him some help and luckily our son is recovering! Watching your story last night made me feel that I am so blessed to still have my son and I need to be grateful to my Heavenly Father and share our story with others and help educate others the way you are. THANK YOU! May 9, 2011 6:51 am
  • Mandy: Thank you so much for raising awareness about this. I had a baby a week and a half ago. I too had a cold at the hospital. It still hasn't gone away. My baby started in with major congestion a few days ago. She is hardly sleeping because she can't breath through her nose very well. Is this how it started for Gavin? Or did it start with coughing? She has coughed a few times after eating and she has thrown up a lot of mucous. I'm kinda freaking out because I know I haven't been vaccinated since I was a child. I will definitely be getting it now and telling everyone I know about your story. Would you mind giving me a little more insight into what I should watch for? I'm so sorry for your loss and thanks again for speaking out! May 9, 2011 7:16 am
  • Melody: Great job! I liked that they/you talked about how nobody told you this was such a huge deal and so risky. I think that's an aspect of the story that more people need to focus on because so many people think that if it were really an issue they would already know about it because their doctor would have told them. Mine never told me and yours didn't tell you. Most don't for whatever reason. May 9, 2011 7:24 am
  • Elise: Natalie, I am usually not one to comment on blogs of people I don't know, but I really can't thank you enough for sharing Gavin's story. Although it is heartbreaking and I can't imagine what you have gone through, your words are always beautiful and uplifting. I just had a baby girl and had it not been for your story, I doubt I would have been very aware of pertussis and it's threats. My husband and I as well as our parents have been vaccinated. Thank you little Gavin for your beautiful life and for all those you have helped and the lives you have most definitely saved. May 9, 2011 7:30 am
  • Rebecca Jeppson: Oh Natalie! I found your blog a year or so ago-but today while watching your piece on KSL-holding my 5 week old baby boy....I feel so much for you and wanted to thank you for sharing your message. Our family lives in cache valley and with a pertussis outbreak I feel sick. Our family is all being vaccinated at 3:45 today. Thinking of you.... May 9, 2011 8:08 am
  • natalie: Dawn, I'm not a doctor, so any advice I give you should also be run by your physician. I would recommend anyone in your family over 12 years of age should get the Tdap booster shot. Thank you for being so aware and proactive! All my love! Natalie May 9, 2011 8:48 am
  • natalie: NataLee, If your 16 month old is up to date on all his vaccines, he should be fully protected against Pertussis as well. There is a small chance he still has it, however if he does, it's likely a much milder case because he's been vaccinated. If it was my family, I'd definitely have my 16 month old checked just for peace of mind. The pediatrician might not think it's worth it (the test is a little uncomfortable), but just insist. Good luck! Lots of love! Natalie May 9, 2011 8:51 am
  • natalie: Mandy, Gavin's symptoms started with a cough. Lots of babies experience congestion. Their nasal passages are so tiny that they tend to be easily constricted. It's unlikely that your baby has Pertussis, but if you have ANY reason to suspect that it could be Pertussis, I would definitely not hesitate to take the baby in just to be safe! May 9, 2011 8:59 am
  • Rachel Boatright DeVault: I have nothing but love for you and your family watching this. Gavin touched so many lives and continues to do so. XOXO May 9, 2011 9:04 am
  • Alisa: Natalie, your strength is inspring! I posted this on my blog to spread the word. May 9, 2011 9:12 am
  • stephanie w.: I want to say that I am so terribly sorry for your loss. I was in tears watching your story on the news, my son is vaccinated because I work in infection control at the u of u hospital. unfortunately all of my in-laws do not believe in vaccinations, I truly hope that sharing your story with them will help them make a better decision and get their vaccinations. you are so brave to tell your story, I don't know if I would be able to do anything if I lost my son. May 9, 2011 9:13 am
  • makana hansen: Just visiting. Saw your story on FB. My bro Robbies Limary knows you and I met you briefly at BYUH a few years ago. What a moving story. Thank you for sharing. Mind if I link you up on my blog? May 9, 2011 10:06 am
  • Amanda: It was touching... and beautiful. You did a really great job sharing your story. May 9, 2011 10:07 am
  • dawn beirnes: thanks alot Natalie. You and your family are opening so many people's eyes to this disease that would have never thought that much about it. Love to you and your family! May 9, 2011 10:30 am
  • Heather: As I watched last night when it aired, my heart broke all over again for you and your family. It is such a touching story and I just couldn't help but feel that what a mission this little boy is fulfilling. How amazing. I love your words at the very end. How true they are. May 9, 2011 10:45 am
  • Jolene Munford: I found your blog from a link I saw on a friends blog a few days after before your son past away. I had just entered the hospital at 28 weeks to be put on bed rest with twins, and I was so touched by your story. I thought of you after I had my babies and they asked me if I wanted the pertussis vaccine. I probably wouldn't have said yes if I hadn't just red your blog. I thought it was interesting that I had two other children, and I don't recall ever being asked if I would like that vaccine. I remembered you instantly when I saw this on KSL, not only did you help me make a dissension about the pertussis vaccine, but when things were scary you helped me to put my faith in perspective and helped remember to put my faith in our Father in Heaven May 9, 2011 11:31 am
  • Ashley: This is beautiful. Love you guys. May 9, 2011 11:39 am
  • Wendi: I still cry like it was yesterday...everytime. I think of your family so very often and always say loving prayers to God in your honor. xoxo May 9, 2011 12:34 pm
  • Erin: Thank you for telling this brave, heartfelt story. You have given a voice to those affected by pertussis. Thank you. May 9, 2011 4:17 pm
  • Beth Duckwitz: I'm not sure if you will remember me, but we danced together on Synergy. I came across this video on ksl.com and recognized you and then cried. I am so sorry for your loss. Lots of prayers and positive energy coming your way. May 9, 2011 5:13 pm
  • natalie: Beth! I totally remember you! What a beautiful family you have (I stalked your blog)! Lots of love!!! Natalie May 9, 2011 7:02 pm
  • Rachael Aitu: Thank you Natalie & Richie for sharing your story & all that you continue to do in your lives to inspire me! You are such and AMAZING family. May 9, 2011 10:11 pm
  • Annie Link: Go Mommy GO! Love, Gavin May 10, 2011 3:59 am
  • Silke: Thank you for letting us watch this. When I think about what this is doing to me I don't want to imagine what it does to you. I wasn't able to thank you and comment last night when I had watched it. You are so brave and doing so many good for the SoP organisation. I sure have learnt a lot and I am spreading the message. Regretfully, too many people are hesitant about vaccinations in general. But I am insistant :-) Silke May 10, 2011 6:01 am
  • sharalee prang: that was lovely. and enough with the red-eye talk, lady - you look amazing! May 10, 2011 9:59 am
  • Alysha Smith: You two are so amazing. I know that we are given trials to become stronger and increase our faith in the Lord. Your family will be in our nightly prayers. May 10, 2011 11:30 am
  • Jessica Rowe: I saw this on Sunday and once again I was so touched by all you have been through and how you have used this experience as an opportunity to help others. My sister is due to have her first next month and she is planning on getting her DTAP booster before leaving the hospital! much love, jessica May 11, 2011 8:38 am
  • Jennifer Isaacson: I bawled through this. You are so amazing. I am going to make sure we have our boosters when we have our baby in August. Thank you for this. All my love. xoxo May 13, 2011 12:33 pm
  • Rina: Thank you. You guys are amazingg! Baby Gavin was and is a reminder to us all that there is a Heavenly Father who loves us! Thank you. May 14, 2011 2:33 pm
  • uhsa: I have two kids, the youngest will turn 15 months in a week. The interview was heartbreaking, as much as you tried to normalize it with your amazing strength. Like any parent, it brought tears to my eyes to see baby Gavin in such situation. I have been a long time follower of your blog; and I know how close your brother was to you as well. I can see that you already have the strength to handle the situation - but I hope that God gives you the peace you guys so very much deserve. God Bless May 16, 2011 4:31 am
  • Jennifer Bowman: Natalie, you & your family are amazing! I was wondering if you know if getting the pertussis shot is safe while pregnant? I am due the end of June and originally thought I would get the shot at the hospital after having baby, before going home. Now I wonder if it would be better to do before he is here? Thank you for your insight! May 16, 2011 11:10 am
  • Emma Love: Again you and your family amaze me. God is good all the time. May 17, 2011 6:29 pm
  • Felicia Dube: Natalie, my name is Felicia Dube and we also speak out about Pertussis with The Sounds of Pertussis. I am watching your story for the first time and my heart breaks for you. I too feel that I am the one that gave our Carter Pertussis because I had a slight cough and cold when he was born. I would love to stay in contact with you and share stories about our beautiful baby boys ! My email is fam1130@yahoo.com. May 23, 2011 12:59 pm
  • Amy Matthews: I'm crying my eyes out reading your story. My next step is to cut this computer off and go play with my daughter. I can't help but think what if something happened to her, would checking my email have been so important? I think not. Thank you for sharing with such grace and faith. I pray God will give you overwhelming peace until you see your baby again some day. May 24, 2011 10:56 am
  • Natalie: Jennifer, I was at a conference on the Tdap last week in Phoenix and we were told tat the Tdap is safe while pregnant, HOWEVER if you have any concern whatsoever at all, just get the shot after you are discharged from the hospital. HOWEVER do require that all friends and family (spouse too) get the shot at least 1-2 weeks before the baby is born. It takes some time for the shot to become an effective protection to your infant. Way to be proactive! Congratulations on your baby!!! May 26, 2011 12:06 pm
  • Please get vaccinated | livingwithevan.com: [...] News interview with Natalie and her husband [...] May 29, 2011 4:44 pm
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