David Perron and wife Vanessa welcome baby girl Elizabeth after challenging pregnancy (via Instagram/@vanessavandalperron)

“Our little miracle”: Ex-Oilers David Perron and wife Vanessa welcome baby girl 'after a long delivery'

Modified Nov 08, 2024 18:11 GMT

David Perron of the Ottawa Senators and his wife Vanessa Vandal have welcomed a baby girl named Elizabeth. They shared the news on Instagram, with Vandal announcing Elizabeth’s birth on Oct. 27. She described their newborn as “our little miracle” and thanked supporters, asking for privacy as they focus on their family.

"Born on October 27th after a long delivery. She’s our little miracle and is already a fighter. We will be updating about her health at some point but would appreciate to keep our focus on our family at the moment keep praying for our little angel," Perron wrote.

Elizabeth’s birth followed a challenging journey. Earlier in her pregnancy, Vandal shared that doctors had found a serious health issue. At 30 weeks, she revealed that Elizabeth had congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM), a rare and potentially life-threatening condition.

To help, doctors placed shunts in Elizabeth’s lungs to drain fluid and reduce the immediate risk. Although the procedure was successful, Vandal noted that Elizabeth might still need major surgery after birth. On Oct. 5, she wrote on Instagram:

"She will most likely need to go under for a major open surgery at birth. The risks are big...."

In her latest update, Vandal didn’t share whether Elizabeth had undergone surgery, but her relief at the safe delivery was clear. Perron expressed his joy by reposting the same photo of Elizabeth on his Instagram stories, adding the song "I Get To Love You" by Ruelle to express his feelings for their newborn daughter.

David Perron and Vanessa Vandal enjoy family life charity work and off-season adventures

David Perron and his wife, Vanessa Vandal, live in Chesterfield, Missouri, with their three children and two dogs, Jack and Stella. Vanessa, an interior designer, once appeared on "Hockey Wives," where she opened up about her pregnancies and her decision to return to school. The family also shares their home with a calico cat named Alice. In the off-season, Perron enjoys spending time on the lake with his family, often relaxing on his boat and making the most of their time together.

Vanessa has been a strong support for Perron, both in his career and personal life. The couple is also dedicated to charity work. David is involved with the Athletes for Animals Foundation and regularly organizes charity events in his home province of Quebec.