Gideon

Child's Birth Year
2021

State/Province/Territory
Kentucky

NICU Hospital for my journey
Eastern Tennessee Children's Hospital

My NICU Graduate's Journey
Gideon had a few complications after being born. He couldn't eat properly and swallowing was incredibly difficult, he had some breathing trouble, he had jaundice for a time, but never gave up. Before he left the NICU, we found out he had cerebral palsy and required a G-tube surgery for nurishment. As we have progressed, we have since been diagnosed with non-verbal autism and O'Donnell Luria Roden syndrome which is an incredibly new and rare syndrome (only discovered in 2019).

What makes you proud of your NICU graduate?
No matter what life has thrown at him, no matter how many speedbumps he encounters, he always prevails. He is such a loving and intelligent boy. I cannot begin to express how proud I am of his accomplishments (he is graduating pre-school this year!). Look out Kindergarten!

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

Weeks Gestation
38 weeka

Time spent in the NICU (Specify Number of Days, Months, or Years)
1 month