Colin and Cole

Child's Birth Year
2016

State/Province/Territory
Illinois

NICU Hospital for my journey
Christ Hospital

My NICU Graduate's Journey
Colin and Cole were born at 33 weeks. They spent 37 and 40 days in NICU. Colin had a brain bleed while Cole had bradycardia and muscle issues. Both boys have blood disease Von Willebrand. Cole has asthma and struggled with weight gain, needing a bronchoscopy age 6. They have endured countless infections including Kawasaki disease, intracranial hypertension, HSP, kidney disease from HSP, peanut and multiple allergies and asthma. The illnesses continue to this day but they do not let it stop them from living their lives fully on their terms.

What makes you proud of your NICU graduate?
Despite days where they were so weak or sick, they insist on never quitting. They've been sports fanatics since the beginning starting baseball at age 4. Playing in the field across from the hospital they lived in over a month as premies. They have a shelf of trophies from baseball, basketball, football, soccer and lacrosse. They play all these sports with coaches aware of limitations and conditions. And plan to keep doing it as long as it's safe for them to do so. Like most kids they also love video games and school. They are kind, often receiving praise from school for their treatment of special needs students. They are helpful to all and never want to see anyone alone or struggling. Colin attends special lunches at school to help boost his self esteem and is compassionate towards others saying... I know how it feels. I'm very proud of them.

Weight at Birth (lbs. or Grams)
3.3 lbs

Weeks Gestation
33 weeks

Time spent in the NICU (Specify Number of Days, Months, or Years)
37 days and 40 days