Child's Birth Year
2009

State/Province/Territory
Michigan

NICU Hospital for my journey
Bronson Methodist Hospital

My NICU Graduate's Journey
Adi was born early at 28 weeks. A day that started out with some blood pressure issues for mom turned into an emergency delivery at a different hospital nearby that had a NICU. Adi spent her first days learning how to survive, and eventually turned into what they called a feeder/grower! Her big brother, big sister, and family cheered on every ounce and every breath she took while reading and singing to her through the holes in the incubator. We called her our gift of patience and she taught us how fragile life can be. Adi took her time catching up to her full term counterparts. After Early On services and tender loving care, she learned how to walk, talk, and learn. The doctors once told us that she would have “short stature” and if nothing else stunted her growth she would be fine. She embodies the small but mighty phrase and spreads joy that is larger than life. We are lucky to have Adi (and her mom) still with us after that birth day and are thankful for the medical advances that made it possible.

What makes you proud of you NICU graduate?
My NICU graduate had to learn hard work from birth. She had to learn how to not give up, be strong on her own, and accept help from experts. This is now built into her existence. Adi competes as a competitive gymnast, placed in the top for her state’s powerlifting competition, and more. All while earning high honors in high school. This is no easy feat! Adi was diagnosed with learning disabilities in first grade which can be attributed to her slow growth and start in life. Through IEPs and now a 504 - this girl has big plans for a strong future. I am confident she will succeed at everything she tries, because I have watched her grow! She’s a miracle, a gift of patience, and the tiebreaker that our family needed when she arrived early to meet us in 2009!

Weight at Birth (lbs. or Grams)
2 lbs

Weeks Gestation
28 Weeks

Time spent in the NICU (Specify Day, Month, or Year)
3 Months