Violet

Child's Birth Year
2025

State/Province/Territory
Alabama

NICU Hospital for my journey
USA Children's and Women's Hospital

My NICU Graduate's Journey
I wasn’t supposed to be here — at least, that’s what the world thought. My mommy and daddy waited 11 long years for me, hoping and praying for a miracle. After two years of doctors and treatments, I finally began to grow, loved long before I ever took a breath. But at 19 weeks and 5 days, something scary happened… Mommy’s water broke, and suddenly I had almost no amniotic fluid left. Everyone held their breath, but Mommy held on for me. She stayed in bed, fighting for every hour I needed, until infection came at 23 weeks and 1 day and it was time for me to meet the world.

I was born so tiny — 1 pound 1.9 ounces, 11.2 inches long — but don’t let my size fool you. I came out ready to fight. I spent 165 days in the NICU, surrounded by beeping machines and gentle hands, and I surprised everyone. No brain bleeds. No GI perforations. My eyes needed laser surgery, and I had a G‑tube and oxygen, but I kept getting stronger. Three months after coming home, I didn’t need oxygen at all.

They call me a 1% outcome, a miracle, a fighter. But I just think I’m Violet — the little warrior princess who showed up early and proved that even the smallest girl can have the biggest strength.

What makes you proud of your NICU graduate?
We are proud of Violet because she has shown more courage, strength, and determination in her short life than most people show in a lifetime. She entered this world fighting impossible odds, yet she met every challenge with a quiet, fierce resilience that amazed even her medical team. From surviving with almost no amniotic fluid, to enduring a 165‑day NICU stay, to overcoming surgeries, oxygen, and feeding struggles, she has proven again and again that she is a miracle in motion. We are proud not just because she survived, but because she thrived — defying statistics, inspiring everyone who meets her, and reminding us daily that hope is powerful and miracles are real. Violet is our warrior princess, and we are honored to be her mom and dad.

Weight at Birth (lbs. or Grams)
1 lb 1.9 oz

Weeks Gestation
23 weeks 1 day

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