Xander

Child's Birth Year
2021

State/Province/Territory
Florida

NICU Hospital for my journey
Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital

My NICU Graduate's Journey
Xander came into this world at just 23 weeks and had to be resuscitated at birth. Doctors gave him only a 6% chance of survival, but from the very beginning, he proved he was a fighter.
He spent 141 long days in the NICU, overcoming obstacle after obstacle with a strength far beyond his tiny size. Today, he is thriving and continues to amaze everyone around him.
Xander has hypotonic cerebral palsy and bilateral esotropia, he has had 2 eye surgeries and 3 G tube Surgeries, but you would never know the battles he’s faced by looking at him. His smile never fades, and his happiness, strength, and determination shine brighter than any diagnosis ever could. 💙

What makes you proud of your NICU graduate?
From Xander very first breath, he showed everyone just how strong he truly was.
He spent 141 days in the NICU fighting through more than most people could ever imagine, and somehow through it all, he still became the happiest little soul. Today, he is thriving and continues to amaze us every single day.
Xander has hypotonic cerebral palsy and bilateral esotropia, he is developmentally delayed, but he refuses to let anything stop him. That’s one of the many reasons I am so incredibly proud of him. He is the sweetest little boy with the biggest heart, and no matter how hard something is for him, he will still try. Even when he struggles, he refuses to give up. He keeps going, keeps learning, and keeps proving how strong and determined he is.
He teaches me every day what real strength looks like. His smile can light up a room, his laugh is contagious, and the love he gives so freely is something truly special. He may have started life tiny and fighting for survival, but now he faces the world with courage, happiness, and a spirit that inspires everyone around him.

Weight at Birth (lbs. or Grams)
1lb 5oz

Weeks Gestation
23 weeks 4 days

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