Child's Birth Year
2022

State/Province/Territory
California

NICU Hospital for my journey
Kaiser Permanente - San Leandro

My NICU Graduate's Journey
Leo and his older brother, Nolan (Twin A), were born precipitously at home at 25 weeks, 4 days. Our beautiful Nolan passed away about two hours after birth at the first hospital we arrived to. Shortly after, we were transferred to Kaiser-San Leandro where Leo officially begun his grueling and long NICU journey. Leo fought valiantly through his 159-day NICU stay and surprised every NICU nurse and neonatologist that came his way. He survived pulmonary hemorrhage, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, anemia of prematurity, blood transfusions, bilateral retinopathy of prematurity - stage 3 / laser eye surgery, acute renal failure, neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, neonatal thrombocytopenia, severe right leg laceration (due to failed IO attempt at first hospital), multiple lacerations around the body that turned into skin infections, hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, neonatal cholestasis, patent ductus arteriosus, bilateral inguinal hernia repair, almost every drip (insulin, dopamine, norepinephrine, morphine, precedex), DART therapy, NIMV/NIV NAVA respiratory therapy, acute respiratory failure, dozens of NG tubes, a code blue, and so much more. Despite everything that Leo faced and endured, he came out guns blazing through like he was a force to be reckoned with. The nurses and doctors were sure that he was not going to make it, but he surprised them every single day. Leo officially graduated from the NICU at 5 months actual, 2 months adjusted – weighing at 11lbs 1oz (5030g). We did come home on oxygen but was able to graduate after two months. Leo is such a happy baby. Almost 2 and absolutely thriving!

What makes you proud of you NICU graduate?
Leo is truly a SURVIVOR. He persevered through his rough start at life and defied the odds. He is so strong and so resilient. He fought so hard…even though he did not know what he was fighting for. He didn’t know it then, but he saved our lives. He is our inspiration and the light of our life.

Weight at Birth (lbs. or Grams)
1 lb 9 oz

Weeks Gestation
25 Weeks, 4 Days

Time spent in the NICU (Specify Day, Month, or Year)
159 Days