Marley

Child's Birth Year
2017

State/Province/Territory
Colorado

NICU Hospital for my journey
Intermountain Health Saint Joseph Hospital

My NICU Graduate's Journey
Marley was born at 23 weeks 5 days. She weighed 1lb 6oz. She spent 106 days in the NICU. She went through a lot during her NICU stay including being diagnosed with a heart defect called Pulmonary Vein Stenosis. She is 9 now and is thriving. She’s had 15 heart surgeries but despite it all she excels in school. She is the top reader in her class and will be competing in the spelling bee this year for her school!

What makes you proud of your NICU graduate?
*Her strength — especially after being born so early and overcoming so much medically with her heart condition.
* Her resilience — she keeps going, learning, growing, and dreaming despite challenges.
* Her joyful personality — how chatty, bouncy, and happy she is.
* Her kindness and love — especially the bond she has with Static.
* Her bravery — handling doctor visits, medications, school, and life with courage.
* Her growth in school — especially how hard she’s worked in math and reading.
* Her imagination and big dreams — like wanting to become a chef.
* The way she shines as herself — unicorn-loving, swimming, reading, boxing, and bringing energy wherever she goes.

Weight at Birth (lbs. or Grams)
1lb 6oz

Weeks Gestation
23 weeks

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