Child's Birth Year
2024

State/Province/Territory
Florida

NICU Hospital for my journey
Golisano Children’s Hospital

My NICU Graduate's Journey
Seth’s journey began sooner than expected when he was born at just 29 weeks due to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). He came into the world tiny but fierce, weighing a little over two pounds. From the moment he was born, he was taken to the NICU, where he would spend the next 65 days fighting to grow stronger. Those days were filled with uncertainty, but also with incredible moments of hope. Each milestone—breathing on his own, tolerating feedings, gaining weight—was a victory.

Though his weight was small, his strength was immeasurable. Day by day, Seth showed us that he was a fighter. His nurses and doctors became part of our extended family, cheering him on every step of the way. We celebrated every ounce gained and every wire removed, until the day we were finally able to bring him home.

Coming home with Seth was a moment we had dreamed of, and he hasn’t stopped amazing us since. Despite his early struggles, he has grown into the happiest little boy. His early weight challenges never held him back—he’s now a healthy 35 pounds and full of energy, light, and laughter.


What makes you proud of you NICU graduate?
What makes me happiest about Seth’s journey is that he never gave up. From the very beginning, he showed us what true strength looks like. Born at just 29 weeks due to IUGR, Seth entered the world so tiny and fragile, but with a fighting spirit bigger than we could have imagined. The 65 days we spent in the NICU were some of the hardest of our lives, filled with ups and downs, but Seth never let any setback keep him down for long.

Every time there was a challenge—whether it was breathing on his own, gaining weight, or learning to feed—Seth met it with determination. With every little pushback, he always pushed back harder. He faced so much in such a short amount of time, but he did it with quiet strength and a will to thrive. Watching him fight and grow stronger gave us hope and reminded us to never lose faith.

Bringing him home was the most incredible moment. Since then, he’s continued to prove that nothing can hold him back. Despite his early start, Seth is now a happy, thriving 35-pound bundle of joy. His laughter fills our home, and his strength continues to inspire us every single day.

Seth’s journey has taught me so much about resilience and love. He is living proof that even the smallest fighters can have the biggest hearts. What makes me happiest is knowing that Seth never stopped fighting—and he never will. His spirit shines so

Weight at Birth (lbs. or Grams)
1lb 15 oz

Weeks Gestation
29 weeks

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