Connor

Child's Birth Year
2019

State/Province/Territory
New York

NICU Hospital for my journey
Mercy Hospital of Buffalo

My NICU Graduate's Journey
Connor was born premature at 34 weeks due to PPROM; as a result, he stayed at Mercy Hospital's level II NICU to gain weight, regulate his body temperature, build strength to take feeds, and treat jaundice. He worked with mom and dad, guided by Mercy's NICU staff, to help get him move from an incubator to an open crib and take feeds without struggling. Connor graduated after 26 days in the NICU where he came home to his parents and two dogs. He is now six and half years old and in first grade. Connor loves animals, Legos, and Minecraft and is a part of our community's track and field and YMCA's youth basketball programs.

What makes you proud of your NICU graduate?
We are so proud of Connor as he has overcome many obstacles in his short life as a NICU graduate. This year, he graduated speech and occupational therapy services as well as has been nominated as a star student of his classroom for demonstrating safety, outstanding achievement, responsibility, and respect. He became a big brother in 2024 to our second NICU graduate; he has taken to the role as he loves to play and help his little brother learn. Connor was also recently selected for his school's gifted and talented program for next year to further advance his academic skills and love for learning. It is truly incredible to see how much he's grown since his time in the NICU.

Weight at Birth (lbs. or Grams)
5 lbs 2 oz

Weeks Gestation
34 Weeks

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