Crew

Child's Birth Year
2024

State/Province/Territory
Florida

NICU Hospital for my journey
Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies

My NICU Graduate's Journey
Crew and his twin sister, Ella, entered the world at 36 weeks after a pregnancy filled with uncertainty and fear. At just 20 weeks gestation, Crew was diagnosed with hypoplastic right heart syndrome, a rare and severe congenital heart defect. Earlier in pregnancy, at 10 weeks gestation, he was also diagnosed with prune belly syndrome. Before he was even born, we knew his journey would be anything but ordinary.

Crew arrived with multiple anomalies that required immediate medical intervention. He spent the first 67 days of his life in the NICU, surrounded by monitors, specialists, and constant prayers. During that time, he underwent procedures and surgeries that no baby should ever have to face. In total, Crew has endured seven surgeries in only 19 months of life.

There were moments when doctors were unsure if he would survive, especially during his very first surgery. We were forced to prepare for outcomes no parent should ever have to imagine. But Crew has continued to fight with a strength that inspires everyone around him.

Today, at 19 months old, Crew is thriving in ways we once only dreamed of. He is reaching milestones we never thought we would see smiling, playing, learning, and growing alongside his twin sister, Ella. Crew’s story is one of resilience, hope, and the incredible strength of a little boy who continues to defy the odds every single day.

What makes you proud of your NICU graduate?
What makes me most proud of my NICU graduate is not just the battles Crew has survived, but the joy and determination he carries through life every single day. Despite spending his first months in a hospital and enduring more surgeries than most adults ever will, he continues to meet the world with a smile. He has taught us what true strength looks like. Every milestone like sitting up, laughing, playing with his twin sister Ella, and exploring the world around him, feels like a miracle we once prayed desperately for. Crew’s resilience, courage, and happiness in the face of so much adversity inspire everyone who meets him. He is proof that even the tiniest fighters can overcome unimaginable odds.

Weight at Birth (lbs. or Grams)
5lbs 11oz

Weeks Gestation
36 weeks 2 days

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