Child's Birth Year
2008

State/Province/Territory
Missouri

NICU Hospital for my journey
Children's Mercy of Kansas City

My NICU Graduate's Journey
Ian was born at 32 weeks and was rushed to Children's Mercy of Kansas City, where he spent 38 days in the NICU. Diagnoses included ROP, Respiratory Distress Syndrome, and many feeding/gastrointestinal concerns. After discharge, we were blessed to have a few follow ups without issue, and he had met all his milestones by the age of 18 months. Our family was amazed at the love and care we received at Mercy, and we remain connected to the organization to this day. Through our efforts, he has been inspired to study genetics after high school.

What makes you proud of you NICU graduate?
They say NICU babies are fighters. This is certainly true. Ian sets his mind to something and sees it through to completion. Knowing about the difficult beginning to his journey has helped him understand standing up for the [literal and figurative] little guy.

Ian has excelled academically, and also takes part in many other activities like Science Olympiad, Football, Tennis, and ALL of the bands he can play in.

Weight at Birth (lbs. or Grams)
4 pounds

Weeks Gestation
32

Time spent in the NICU (Specify Number of Days, Months, or Years)
38 days