Child's Birth Year
2012

State/Province/Territory
Virginia

NICU Hospital for my journey
Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU

My NICU Graduate's Journey
Beating odds, Sir Dylan’s not letting anything stop him.

We say we are thankful to the many folks that helped contribute to his development and healing yet thankful is not a strong enough sentiment.
This young dragon-slayer started off with the worst prognosis. Born on Valentine’s Day, 11 weeks premature, no immune system yet and fighting a big infection. they didn’t think tiny 3lb Dylan would make it. 20+ brain surgeries, several scary diagnoses, tons of therapies so many awesome people helping him with the toughness of a true dragon-slayer, an army of UR Spiders behind him, a miracle medical team, a few wonderful teachers, friends & family that believe in the impossible rounding out the team of course with fierce moms that won’t quit against all odds, he turned 12 years old this year.

Dylan's amazing like a superhero and it takes lots of spirit, toughness (and amazing gear) to keep him in top shape. He wears hearing aids, uses sign language and speech approximations. Has 2 VPL shunts to manage fluid in his brain (Hydrocephalus), a g-tube in his belly to help his nutrition due to CP, wears braces on his feet/legs to help him walk and a wheelchair when he needs to rest or is too overwhelmed to process everything all at once to focus on walking. He has seizures (epilepsy) and is on medication. He also wears glasses (he has had 2 eye surgeries). His eyes are improving! He's also developmentally delayed but progressing.

What makes you proud of you NICU graduate?
Dylan is a true Valentine baby. He's sweet & his laugh contagious. People love him and he's just a fun person. He does have a ton of challenges and sometimes they can seem overwhelming but he always bounces back and shows us just how amazing he can be.
From the first time his tiny hand squeezed my pinky and pulled me towards him like a little fighter, I knew, this was no ordinary kid and he was worth fighting for! Now he loves cars, baking, lacrosse, Dogs, fishing, bowling, basketball, track, gardening, watching movies, hair styles, Disney, Superman, Harry Potter, Star Wars, Star Trek and more! He is insanely brave and has a unique style about him. I hope more people get to know him even though it takes a little patience and kindness, it's worth it!

Weight at Birth (lbs. or Grams)
3lbs, 3oz

Weeks Gestation
29 weeks

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