Child's Birth Year
2022

State/Province/Territory
Virginia

NICU Hospital for my journey
UVA

My NICU Graduate's Journey
Carson was born at Norfolk General hospital. He had trouble breathing. It was determined he had 4 holes in his heart. He was soon transferred to CHKD. After 2 months, he was then transferred to UVA where we met some of the best doctors and nurses. After many tests and procedures, we were told his liver was pushed into his diaphragm and that was pushed into his lungs. He was on 8 liters of oxygen. Eventually he was intubated and stayed that way for 3 months. As his parents, this was so hard to watch. He was uncomfortable. He eventually had surgery for both the heart and diaphragm. He spent 9.5 months (291 days) in the NICU. The NICU staff became like family to us. He just turned two and is currently off oxygen but still has a feeding tube. He has several delays from being in the hospital so long but amazes us and his team with the progress he continues to make. Despite all his doctor appointments and therapy appointments, he is still the happiest little guy.

What makes you proud of you NICU graduate?
He is always so happy no matter what. He is determined and so smart. The improvements and progress he makes daily continue to impress me.

Weight at Birth (lbs. or Grams)
7.3

Weeks Gestation
41

Time spent in the NICU (Specify Day, Month, or Year)
291 days