Child's Birth Year
2003

State/Province/Territory
Pennsylvania

NICU Hospital for my journey
UPMC Shadyside

My NICU Graduate's Journey
Born on Cinco de Mayo in 2003, one month early, Ryan’s entrance to the world was not nearly as festive as his birthday would imply. He spent his first week in the NICU with 100% oxygen, and underdeveloped lungs. His skin was jaundiced, and there were many sessions in the incubator with his mini “sunglasses “. His doctor thought he heard something “off” with his heart, and the next several days were spent with testing/imaging of his heart. He was the only infant in the NICU at that time, and he received the best one on one care. He was tiny and vulnerable, and his journey inspired me as his mother to go into imaging, and help other mothers through this process. It was terrifying to experience, yet his resilience in those early days carried on through his childhood into early adulthood. My tiny 5 pounder is now twenty-one years old, and the smartest human I know. He is in his second year of pharmacy school , holds many awards and academic accolades, and looks to give back to community and healthcare. Ryan is the ultimate NICU success story.

What makes you proud of you NICU graduate?
My NICU graduate, now a young adult, has always pushed forward, and reached for higher goals. He has been the strongest, most resilient person, I’ve ever known. He is kind, compassionate, takes time to get to know his community and his craft. He is a second year pharmacy student, and strives to be the best he can be. He started his life overcoming odds, and he continues to achieve the impossible. He truly is a success story.

Weight at Birth (lbs. or Grams)
6 lbs 13 oz

Weeks Gestation
36 Weeks

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