Bruns Family Story

Family Gift Embraces the Spirit of Giving

Tyler Bruns, Newborn Intensive Care Unit

Little Tyler Bruns is growing and blossoming just like any other six month- old. Progress, due in part, to the extraordinary care he received in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit at The Nebraska Medical Center.

Tyler's parents and other relatives have expressed their thanks by creating a tribute gift in Tyler's honor. Their families' generous donations including corporate matches from Caterpillar and Bank of America will benefit the newly opened NICU in the Hixson-Lied Center at The Nebraska Medical Center.

Tyler was born in Des Moines, Iowa on May 23, 2005. He arrived just two weeks early, but quickly developed serious breathing problems. Within 24 hours, his doctors decided he might need an extreme treatment extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, also known as ECMO.

The procedure requires specialized equipment similar to heart-lung machines used in bypass surgery. Iowa's only machines were being used on other infants, so Tyler was transferred to the NICU at The Nebraska Medical Center. He spent a little more than a week on ECMO. The treatment was successful and Tyler returned home to his family.

Without the talents of all the physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses and respiratory therapists and without the incredible technology of ECMO, Tyler would not be with us today, said Tyler's mom, Susan Bruns.

In giving, the Bruns Family discovered corporate matches were available through loved ones' employers. This is a common practice, exercised by companies all across the nation. The Office of Development is experienced in offering assistance with these kinds of donations. For more information, contact the Office of Development at 552-2029 or visit www.NebraskaMed.com, clicking on How You Can Help.