Heroes Among Us — WTVR 6
She almost drowned at 2 years old. Her parents credit this group for helping her live.
By: Greg McQuade
Nora Trotman from Mechanicsville lives a carefree life.
“I wish I had her energy,” said her father Ron Trotman.
Her most important task on this day is playtime with sister Olivia at her back. Fun is serious business for this five-year-old.
Little Nora beams. In fact, her name means light.
“She is just very genuine and you can see in her eyes how happy she is. Her smile is just all over her face,” said her mom Katie Trotman.
But three years ago, darkness blanketed the little girl and her family.
“I heard a voice in my head that said, ‘Where’s Nora. You have to check the pool,” said Katie. “That is when she was found face down floating in the pool. He actually had to pull her out.”
“I could literally feel the water in her body,” explained Ron.
She was rushed to Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU. She goes 12 minutes without a heartbeat. Chances of Nora surviving are slim.
Nora’s grateful parents also credit another group of professionals with helping their daughter heal during her 17-day stay.
Heather Rossi is one of 12 Child Life Specialists who has been helping young patients like Nora adjust, cope and thrive using activities and toys for 25 years.
“Our goal is to normalize this environment as much as we can,” said Rossi. “Our job in the hospital is to help people always see it through the child’s perspective. Always see it from the parents perspective. Because it isn’t about us. It’s about them.”
Nora’s mom Katie said the Child Life team were angels when she needed a shoulder to lean on.
“She is not even their kid and they loved on her like she was their own,” described Katie. “They would literally do anything for me. They would do anything to make my day easier or better.”
“The team definitely helped speed up her process of healing,” said Ron.
Since her accident, Nora has completed Swim Survival training.
She is also the 2023 Children’s Miracle Network Champion Ambassador for the CHildren’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU.
The new tower at Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU opens in late April of 2023.
Written by Greg McQuade • CBS News at 6
Greg McQuade features local heroes in a weekly “Heroes Among Us” segment.