Child's Birth Year
2023

State/Province/Territory
Georgia

NICU Hospital for my journey
Children’s Hospital of Atlanta, Scottish Rite

My NICU Graduate's Journey
Merritt was born at 33 weeks due to a rare disorder called NAIT. The NAIT caused Merritt to be born with extremely low platelets and a brain hemorrhage. At one week old Merritt underwent a craniotomy to evacuate the hemorrhage. He spent 5 weeks total in NICU. Since leaving NICU, he has proven how strong he is and how much determination he has. He has been diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, CVI, Anemia, and undergoing genetic testing for a rare genetic disorder. Merritt struggles daily with lots of activities but he does not give up easily. Everyday he defies the odds stacked against him and continues to make us all so incredibly proud. He has so much love to give and is so happy despite the pain he is in daily.

What makes you proud of you NICU graduate?
His motivation and determination to achieve the hard things. He recently graduated from feeding therapy after proving he CAN DO IT. He works so hard in Occupational & physical therapy every week. His happiness and smile lights up a room. When he does something new, it’s huge for us. Everyday I’m so proud of him to be who is with all he has endured in this time.

Weight at Birth (lbs. or Grams)
4 lbs 10 oz

Weeks Gestation
33 weeks 5 days

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