Child's Birth Year
2018

State/Province/Territory
Michigan

NICU Hospital for my journey
Helen DeVos Children's Hospital

My NICU Graduate's Journey
Michaela was born at 26 weeks, weighing only 2 lbs 1 oz. She has been a fierce warrior since day one. Her NICU stay was 79 days of being a rockstar. We were fortunate that she did not require any major medical procedures during her stay. Lots of kangaroo cuddles and bonding took place while we waited for this little miracle girl to grow, breathe and maintain her body temperature. It's been seven years and the whole experience now feels so surreal and like a different lifetime. She's still as fierce as ever and has added being sassy and spunky to her personality. She made me the girl mom I never knew I wanted to be.

What makes you proud of you NICU graduate?
She has proven herself to be a determined and mighty girl from the beginning. She was a warrior in the NICU. Now she is finishing first grade and reads way above her grade level as well as being a good friend and leader in her class. She will always be strong and defy the odds.

Weight at Birth (lbs. or Grams)
2 lbs 1 oz

Weeks Gestation
26 weeks

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