Child's Birth Year
2006

State/Province/Territory
Tennessee

NICU Hospital for my journey
Jackson General Hospital

My NICU Graduate's Journey
I had Bradley at 24 weeks 1lb 13oz, he got down to 1lb 7 and was 13in long. They immediately took him to a different hospital than me, it was 3 days before I actually got to see him. During them days I heard the worst from the doctor 90% he won’t make it 90% chance brain bleed 90% chance he’ll never be able to see 90% all this things could go wrong. When I finally got to see him his eyes were still sealed shut, he had no cartilage in his ears or nose, he didn’t even have nipples. I was young and scared. I didn’t even get to hold him until he was a month old right before he had heart surgery. Looking back I got to watch this little boy develop before my eyes. The NICU is a world you don’t know exists until you’re in it. It’s this part of the world that’s amazing and beautiful that you wouldn’t wish on no one! He came home after 3 months and 2 weeks on oxygen and a small monitor.

So thankful for the doctors and the Nurses that turned into family. Between all the surgery and set backs they were there. Even after we got out of the NICU they was there.I’m so thankful my son beat all odds. He is 100% boy since we brought him home and has never missed a beat. Happy Graduation Bradley!

What makes you proud of you NICU graduate?
Watching him go from a 1lb baby that had so much against him to this 185lb 6’ 2” tall man has been the greatest journey of my life. He has the biggest heart that’s honestly almost heartbreaking to a momma that’s been in this world longer, but I wouldn’t change it. He’s so freaking smart. He can go from either working on your house to fixing your vehicle to telling you about the 37th president. He does it all, all while making time to go fishing and seeing his family and friends. Nothing has held him back. And I wish him nothing but all my love and the best for him after he graduates this year. I know he’ll do great💛

Weight at Birth (lbs. or Grams)
1 lb 13 oz

Weeks Gestation
24 weeks

Time spent in the NICU (Specify Number of Days, Months, or Years)
3 months and 2 weeks