On July 23, 2010, the Berg Family welcomed their third son into the world, Carson Geoffrey Berg. He was one month early. Shortly after his birth, Carson became quite ill and would soon be fighting for his life. Luckily, Carson turned out to be quite a fighter – the nurses and doctors called him “the champ.” And thanks to the care and advanced technology at Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego, he’s now a healthy, spirited boy.
Carson was born with underdeveloped lungs and a severe infection. He was admitted to the Rady Children’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla, where he was intubated and put on a ventilator. When it was determined that Carson needed an even higher level of care, he was transferred to the NICU at Rady Children’s.
Carson was suffering from hypoxemia (low blood oxygen) and severe pulmonary hypertension. He was put on a high-frequency ventilator (called an oscillator) and received nitric oxide to help him breathe. The first 72 hours in the NICU were rough, but within a few days, Carson’s condition dramatically improved. He would be alright. His parents, Derek and Jessica, would be able to take him home to meet his big brothers, 6-year-old Jack and 4-year-old Brady.
In lieu of a first birthday party for Carson, the Bergs put on a fundraiser to benefit Rady Children’s NICU. The event, Carson’s Trike & Bike, raised more than $13,000. The Bergs continue to support the NICU by attending Hospital fundraising events, such as the Miracle Maker’s Gala, and organizing a team for the Shamu & You Family Walk. Jessica is also as an active member of the North Coast Unit of the Rady Children’s Hospital Auxiliary.