Cooper

Child's Birth Year
2025

State/Province/Territory
California

NICU Hospital for my journey
Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital - Stanford

My NICU Graduate's Journey
At our 20-week anatomy scan, our world changed when we learned our son, Cooper, had Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH). What we thought would be a routine appointment quickly turned into fear and uncertainty as doctors explained that Cooper had a hole in his diaphragm, causing his stomach and other organs to move into his chest and push his heart to the side. From that moment on, we entered a journey filled with long drives to Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford, difficult decisions, and months of preparing for the fight ahead. At 36 weeks pregnant, I relocated three hours away from home, leaving behind my husband and 2-year-old daughter so we could be close to the hospital and give Cooper the best chance possible.

When Cooper James Coronado was born on May 17, he was immediately surrounded by an incredible NICU team who intubated him right after birth to support his breathing. Just two days later, he underwent his first surgery to repair his CDH. After a successful repair and a brief period of progress, our journey took another unexpected turn when Cooper began vomiting and struggling to breathe. On his one-month birthday, he underwent a second surgery after doctors discovered part of his original repair had failed. Recovery was long and difficult, filled with feeding challenges, respiratory support, setbacks, and moments where we wondered if we would ever bring our baby home. Through it all, Cooper showed incredible strength and resilience, overcoming every obstacle placed in front of him.

After 65 days in the NICU, two surgeries, countless procedures, and more ups and downs than we could have imagined, we finally brought Cooper home on July 21. Watching him thrive now is something we will never take for granted. His journey taught us the true meaning of strength, perseverance, and hope. Cooper is our miracle, and every single day with him feels like a

What makes you proud of your NICU graduate?
What makes us most proud of Cooper is the strength and resilience he showed from the very beginning of his life. Despite being diagnosed with CDH before birth, enduring two major surgeries, respiratory support, feeding challenges, and 65 days in the NICU, he never stopped fighting. Through every setback, Cooper continued to show us just how determined and strong he was. Even on the hardest days, he kept pushing forward with a quiet bravery that inspired everyone around him.

We are also incredibly proud of the joy he brings into our lives today. After such a difficult start, seeing him smile, grow, and thrive at home feels nothing short of amazing. Cooper reminds us daily not to take the little moments for granted. He has already overcome more in his first months of life than many do in a lifetime, and watching him continue to flourish makes us endlessly proud to call him our

Weight at Birth (lbs. or Grams)
7 lbs

Weeks Gestation
39 weeks

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