Jackson

Child's Birth Year
2019

State/Province/Territory
Ohio

NICU Hospital for my journey
Kettering Hospital then Cincinnati Children’s

My NICU Graduate's Journey
Jackson is a surviving twin whose brother was born at 22w2d. Through the miracle of delayed twin interval delivery, Jackson was able to stay put for an additional three weeks, arriving at 25w2d.

Our NICU journey lasted 110 days total — 84 days in the Level III NICU at Kettering Health and 26 days at Cincinnati Children’s. Jackson developed a subglottic cyst that covered more than 90% of his airway, which required transfer to Cincinnati for surgery. While admitted, he also battled a rare infection called Citrobacter koseri, requiring extensive medications, blood draws, and transfusions.

Like most micro preemies, his NICU journey was filled with both heartbreaking lows and incredible highs. We celebrated the tiniest milestones — holding him for the first time after 7 days, seeing him wear his first outfit at 38 days — while also trying not to become too overwhelmed or too hopeful, knowing that at any moment things could change and we might need to fight all over again.

What makes you proud of your NICU graduate?
Jackson is so strong and resilient. He’s spent more days in the hospital, has more surgeries, procedures, diagnosis and setbacks than most people have their entire life but he’s only six years old. Despite having long term impacts like autism, CP, high frequency hearing loss, CVI, and ARFID - Jackson continues to overcome obstacles thrown at him and do it all with a huge smile on his face. He’s the happiest boy and we are so grateful to be his parents.

Weight at Birth (lbs. or Grams)
1lb 15 oz

Weeks Gestation
25 weeks 2 days

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