River

Child's Birth Year
2025

State/Province/Territory
Pennsylvania

NICU Hospital for my journey
Geisinger Medical Center

My NICU Graduate's Journey
Our little NICU warrior was born at 34 weeks due to severe preeclampsia in mom along with IUGR, making her arrival much earlier and much smaller than expected. From the very beginning, she showed us just how strong she is. She spent time on CPAP and needed a feeding tube while she grew stronger in the NICU. One of her biggest hurdles was learning how to feed on her own, but day by day she kept making progress. Our NICU journey was filled with fear, uncertainty, and long emotional days, but also so much hope and strength. Watching her overcome every obstacle, grow stronger, and finally come home has been the greatest blessing. She has taught us more about resilience, patience, and unconditional love than we ever could have imagined, and we are so incredibly proud of how far she has come.

What makes you proud of your NICU graduate?
I’m proud of her for overcoming so much from the very beginning of her life. Despite being born early at 34 weeks due to severe preeclampsia and IUGR, she continues to show so much strength and determination every single day. Watching her fight through time on CPAP, tube feedings, and learning how to feed on her own has been incredible. Now at 6 months actual, she is the happiest baby with the sweetest personality and biggest smiles. She’s the strongest little girl I know, and seeing how far she’s come makes me proud beyond words.

Weight at Birth (lbs. or Grams)
3 pounds 3.9 ounces

Weeks Gestation
34 Weeks

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