Elizabeth Doney Havre Daily News edoney@havredailynews.com
Beautiful 1-pound 3-ounce baby Tirzah Kaylynn Bergren continues fighting for her life against all medical odds with the power of prayer behind her every second. Her parents, Jackie and Pastor Titus Bergren of Havre, have placed their faith in the Lord as they face the task ahead of them, trusting in His power and the community’s prayers to carry their family through this trying time. Titus is employed at the Havre Assembly of God Church as the youth pastor. Tirzah, a baby girl, was born 15 weeks early by an emergency c-section delivery by Dr. Key of Great Falls. The premature birth was brought on by an enlarged placenta, long umbilical cord, and low amnoitic fluid levels. Even in the womb, Tirzah and her mother were doing everything possible to keep her alive. Tirzah entered the world on Dec. 15 at 6:08 in the morning amidst the welcome and concern of a large community of family and friends. She has already been victorious in several medical procedures including a spinal tap and EEG which Have shown that her brain and heart are doing well. She developed a staph infection on Christmas day, so her tiny body is fighting to get rid of it. Her heart sometimes stops during feedings. Her lungs still needs to be developed and strengthened, her digestion is irregular and since receiving her pick-line, a long IV, she has been “tuckered out.” Jackie states, “By the grace of God and the many prayers of people we know, love and have never met, Tirzah is still with us. Each day with her is truly a gift. She is our Christmas miracle and she never ceases to amaze us all. She was born with her eyes fused shut, but has since opened them both. Doctors and nurses are continually saying that she does not know she is small and they cannot believe how well she is doing. We simply say, “It is the power of prayer.” The Bergrens are still waiting for some results from the spinal and for Tirzah to fight the staph infection. They ask for the community to continue to pray for the following prayer requests: That Tirzah’s episodes of apnea would decrease and diminish completely. Apnea is the absence of breath and she is stimulated by back rubbing to remind her to breathe again. Most episodes happen during her feedings. That her digestion would become regular. Before her next feeding they use a syringe to check the contents of her stomach. Some checks show nothing and other times she has a green remnant. Clear checks are desired. Her lungs would continue to be developed and strengthened. She is doing fairly well on c-pack, but struggles with the cannula which is similar to oxygen by nose. Since receiving her pick-line she has been weakened. Pray she will be strengthened and rejuvenated. Pray against damage to her eyesight, hearing, and other common physical and mental problems of premature babies. She would continue to remain healthy and protected from cold/flu. Pray for the health of Titus and Jackie so that they can continue to make regular visits. Pray for Titus, Isaiah, and Jackie that they would adjust to their new life. Isaiah and Jackie will be living with her sister and her family until Tirzah’s release and Titus will begin commuting when he resumes working in Havre on Jan. 7, 2007. The Bergren family would like to thank the community for the many prayers, phone calls, and visits. “Tirzah is fighting. She is doing well, it’s a waiting game. We have been humbled by the outpouring of your love! Please continue to check Tirzah’s site for pictures, updates, and prayer requests,” said Titus. The Web site address is jakebergren.com/tirzah.html and it is updated almost daily. An account has been set up at the Bear Paw Credit Union for the Bergren family. If you would like to make a donation please write your check out to Bear Paw Credit Union and specify in the memo section “DONATION FUND - Tirzah Bergren.” The money in this fund can only be accessed by Titus or Jackie. Your contribution will be greatly appreciated and needed. “Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed; he answers from his holy heaven with the saving power of his right hand. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” Psalm 20: 6-7.
