Child's Birth Year
2024

State/Province/Territory
Florida

NICU Hospital for my journey
Memorial West Hospital and Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital

My NICU Graduate's Journey
Annaliese’s journey had many ups and downs, but after 104 days in the NICU, she was finally able to come home—with only medications and a glucose monitor for her hypoglycemia. Her journey began on Thanksgiving last year when I developed preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome. She was born at 30 weeks and 4 days, but due to her size—more typical of a 28-week preemie—she was rushed straight to the NICU.

From the very beginning, Annaliese showed incredible strength. Although she was a fighter, her body wasn’t fully developed. She needed steroids to help her lungs, had a PDA in her heart, was intubated twice, and required two blood transfusions due to anemia. She was also on a TPN drip for over four weeks because her levels kept dropping. Later, we discovered she was lactose intolerant when her stomach became distended, and she was placed on sugar water for a week.

Her most difficult challenge was managing her glucose levels. That led to her transfer to a higher-level NICU at Memorial Regional, where she was diagnosed with hypoglycemia. Her discharge depended on passing a critical glucose test: she had to finish all her bottles for 48 hours, maintain blood sugar levels above 60, and complete a six-hour fast.

Thankfully, she passed on her first attempt. That same day, after months of setbacks, small victories, and constant prayers, Annaliese was finally able to come home—stronger than ever.

What makes you proud of you NICU graduate?
What makes me proud of my daughter is how strong and brave she’s been from the very beginning. Annaliese showed everyone she wasn’t giving up without a fight. From screaming her lungs out just to get someone to talk to her, to now—almost 6 months old (3 months adjusted)—she’s starting to cue and babble.

She loves people and smiles at everyone who passes by. It fills me with pride to see her joy and strength after everything she’s been through. Her journey wasn’t easy, but she faced it with determination.

Though she’s small, she’s proven she’s mighty.

Weight at Birth (lbs. or Grams)
2 lbs 12 oz

Weeks Gestation
30 weeks and 4 days

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