Chandler

Child's Birth Year
1999

State/Province/Territory
West Virginia

NICU Hospital for my journey
Woman’s and Children’s Hospital Charleston WV

My NICU Graduate's Journey
He came into world as 23 weeker weighing 14.2 ounces. When he was three months old he had to have a tracheostomy. His NICU stay was 4.5 months long. He had to be in pediatric’s one weeek before he came home weighing 4 pounds. He spent 18 years of surgery repairing his trach. He’s a warrior and despite all the surgeries/recoveries he is a survivor.

What makes you proud of your NICU graduate?
Even though he has a disability that doesn’t stop him. He did various sports until he knew what he loved. It was basketball. He still competes in various Special Olympics sporting events in the state of WV. Last week he and his golfing teammate got first place. I am so proud of him.

Weight at Birth (lbs. or Grams)
402 grams

Weeks Gestation
23 weeks

Time spent in the NICU (Specify Number of Days, Months, or Years)
4.5 months