Frankie

Child's Birth Year
2022

State/Province/Territory
New York

NICU Hospital for my journey
Greenwich Hospital

My NICU Graduate's Journey
Our son was born at 32 weeks and diagnosed with Respiratory Distress Syndrome shortly after birth. What was supposed to be one of the happiest moments of our lives quickly became one filled with fear, uncertainty, and long days and nights in the NICU. He spent just under a month there, surrounded by incredible doctors and nurses who cared for him every step of the way.

Those early days were not easy. Watching your baby fight to breathe is something no parent ever forgets. Even now, at 4 years old, he still faces lingering respiratory challenges. Because of his small airway, even a simple cold during flu season can quickly become serious, often leading to swelling, breathing difficulties, and emergency room visits that require immediate medical attention. Every September through April, we remain extra cautious and vigilant.

But despite every obstacle, he continues to amaze us.

Today, he is thriving. He is learning, growing, laughing, and doing all the things little boys dream of doing. He loves playing soccer and recently started T-ball, and watching him run around the field reminds us just how far he has come. His strength, resilience, and determination inspire us every single day.

The NICU journey changed our family forever. It taught us how precious every milestone is — every breath, every smile, every victory, no matter how small. While the experience was one of the scariest times of our lives, it also showed us the incredible strength our son carries within him.

He is our miracle, our fighter, and without a doubt, the strongest boy we

What makes you proud of your NICU graduate?
Honestly… everything.

From the very beginning, he has been a fighter. After spending time in the NICU and overcoming challenges most adults couldn’t imagine, he now approaches life with so much energy, determination, and joy. Watching him grow into this funny, strong, sports-loving little boy makes my heart explode with pride daily.

I’m proud of the big things — how brave he is, how resilient he is, and how he keeps pushing forward no matter what life throws at him.

But I’m also proud of the little things:
The way he makes us laugh with his goofy personality.
The way he runs onto the soccer field like he’s playing in the World Cup.
The way he proudly swings a T-ball bat with all the confidence in the world.
The way he keeps going even after tough days.

Even when cold and flu season hits and breathing becomes difficult, he continues to show us how strong he truly is. He handles more than most people realize, yet still wakes up ready to play, learn, smile, and be a kid.

At this point, everything he does makes me proud — even the chaos, the messes, the nonstop energy, and the endless questions. After watching him fight so hard from the very start, every single moment feels special.

He’s our greatest accomplishment, our biggest blessing, and the strongest little boy we

Weight at Birth (lbs. or Grams)
5lbs 3oz

Weeks Gestation
32 weeks

Time spent in the NICU (Specify Number of Days, Months, or Years)
3 1/2 weeks