Child's Birth Year
2023

State/Province/Territory
North Dakota

NICU Hospital for my journey
Sanford Health Bismarck Medical Center

My NICU Graduate's Journey
Franklin was born at 27 weeks weighing only 2lbs 4oz. He spent 91 days in the NICU before he came home. His time in the NICU was hard. He had a large hole in his heart and also felt with ROP. Franklin required multiple blood transfusions as well as a central line for quite sometime. His dad and I were not able to hold him until he was over a month old. With him being born just a few days before Christmas it was really hard to be happy and enjoy the holiday knowing our newest family member was busy fighting for his life. Over the long stay we encountered so many incredible nurses and doctors and therapists who have truly helped Franklin thrive despite how little and fragile he was when he got here.

What makes you proud of you NICU graduate?
Franklin is now a fast moving no holds baby. I’m so proud of the progress he has made. He can now crawl and pull himself to stand. He will try anything you give him to eat and it’s a blast watching him explore all these new flavors and textures. He is also starting to get his voice and I love hearing him try to tell us what he needs

Weight at Birth (lbs. or Grams)
2lbs 4oz

Weeks Gestation
27 Weeks

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