Dexter

Child's Birth Year
2021

State/Province/Territory
Pennsylvania

NICU Hospital for my journey
UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh

My NICU Graduate's Journey
Everyone meet Dexter- our miracle baby! Dexter has been dealt a tough hand from the start, but boy is he a fighter. He started his journey as a twin, but unfortunately lost his twin Eliana at 22 weeks gestation due to a rare condition- Pentalogy of Cantrell. Pentalogy of Cantrell is series of 5 birth defects that only effect 1 in 120,000 families. At 26 weeks gestation, Dexter and Eliana entered the world way too early. Dexter weighed only 2 lbs and was rushed, by helicopter, to a local NICU in Johnstown, PA where he spent 3 weeks before needing heart surgery. He was then flown to Pittsburgh Childrens Hospital where he endured 1 heart surgery, was intubated and on a ventilator for almost 3 months, and completed his 99 day NICU stay.
During his NICU stay, he endured more than most people will in their entire lives. Dexter earned a bead to put onto string for every test, blood draw, procedure, transfusion, and surgery. Dexter has over 600 beads on his string!
At his sickest, Dexter was 1 lb. 13 oz. and he was once considered the sickest baby in the NICU, but he proved to be the strongest little guy we know. Dexter’s first Neonatologist told us to be there as much as possible because they didn’t think Dexter would make it.
Dexter has proven to us time and time again that he is strong beyond belief, powerful beyond measure , and loved more that he could ever imagine. Dexter is now a healthy 3 year old boy that is meeting all of his milestones, with the help of lots of love from family and friends. Dexter enjoys all sports, coffee dates with his Mama, and spending time with his family. He is the happiest boy that you could ever meet and he loves people!

What makes you proud of your NICU graduate?
Dexter is the happiest boy around. He has such a joy and love for everyone and everything around him. He is able to make people smile and bring them joy no matter what the situation.

Weight at Birth (lbs. or Grams)
2 lbs

Weeks Gestation
26

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