Child's Birth Year
2009

State/Province/Territory
Arizona

NICU Hospital for my journey
St. Joseph’s

My NICU Graduate's Journey
Samuel was born at 26 weeks weighing 2lbs 3oz, 13 in length. He was on life support for 4 days before he started to breathe on his own. He spent 100 days in the NyICU with his 1st Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year! He had feeding intolerances that was his major setbacks! He overcame bleeding in his brain and a slight heart murmur. Today he is 14yrs old, 135lbs, 5ft 5in and plays on his high school baseball team. He’s a phenomenal pitcher and loves life! He’s a great big brother to 2 younger siblings.

What makes you proud of you NICU graduate?
I am so proud to be Samuel’s mom because he understands his story! He wants to do something major with his life and appreciates the 2nd chance that he’s been given. I am so proud of who he’s become and all of the stereotypes of being preemie that he’s overcome. He’s different and he’s proud of it.

Weight at Birth (lbs. or Grams)
2lbs

Weeks Gestation
26

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