Child's Birth Year
2007

State/Province/Territory
Missouri

NICU Hospital for my journey
Mercy-St. Louis

My NICU Graduate's Journey
Jackson was born early due to pre-eclampsia and HELLP syndrome. He came put kicking and screaming, we knew he was a fighter. He ended up having to be put on a ventilator a short time after being born and mom wasn't able to see him right away due to being so sick. During his time in the NICU he needed to have a blood transfusion which was a direct donation from dad, he also had a small brain bleed. Towards the end of the NICU stay we kept getting told dates of when we would be released and Jackson would have small set backs, thankfully we had a good support system at home and was able to go home with oxygen and feeding tube. Once home he came off the feeding tube and was able to thrive.

What makes you proud of you NICU graduate?
I am so proud of Jackson because he is going to be a senior in high school and has one credit left before he graduates. He has goals for after school to work with his dad. Jackson struggles with ADHD but is learning to handle it without medication and how to keep himself on task and I couldn't be prouder of him.

Weight at Birth (lbs. or Grams)
2 lbs 10 oz

Weeks Gestation
26 Weeks 6 Days

Time spent in the NICU (Specify Day, Month, or Year)
12 Weeks