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Iowa doctor drives ATV through snowstorm to deliver baby

SHENANDOAH, Iowa (KETV) – A winter storm miracle happened in a little Iowa town last Friday. A doctor drove an ATV through a massive snow pile-up to make it happen.

On Jan. 12, 2024, time must have felt frozen in Shenandoah, Iowa, a town of about 5,000 located in southwest Iowa. The subzero temperatures kept many people indoors while the Gardners were on their way to the hospital.

Mom Krystal Gardner was due and Dr. Chase Brown knew his four-wheeler was the only way he’d make it there. The doctor cleared snow drifts by hitting them at 20 miles per hour.

“Snow went everywhere, went flying in all directions. but just keep going through to the next one,” said Dr. Brown.

And it wasn’t just doctor brown, the whole medical team braved the snow and cold to make sure the baby would be delivered.

“We knew he was going to get there. They all would get there for it,” said Krystal.

The Gardners were blessed with a baby girl named Birkley. At Tuesday’s check-up, Dr. Brown said she’s healthy as can be.

“She’s a very good baby. we couldn’t ask for more perfection, so,” said Krystal.

Her siblings, can’t put her down.

“Does Laya share at all? I bet she doesn’t share much,” asked Dr. Brown.

To which Krystal responded, “She tries not to.”

Despite Birkley being born in a winter storm…

“She doesn’t like to be out of her blanket, out of her swaddle, nothin’ and she hates the cold,” said Krystal.

For Dr. Brown, there was never a question he’d make it. In fact, he’s gone to three deliveries now by four-wheeler.

“Again no matter what’s coming, we’re there to take care of people,” explained Dr. Brown.

And while time might move slowly in this small town, there’s no snow day for a baby ready to meet the world.

“This has been my dream. This is a dream come true for me, to be here in a small town and provide the care we can and experiences like this is just how I imagined I’d be a doctor one day,” said Dr. Brown.