Rian

Child's Birth Year
2016

State/Province/Territory
Minnesota

NICU Hospital for my journey
Masonic Children’s Hospital

My NICU Graduate's Journey
Rian’s story began earlier than expected, but from the very start, she proved she was something extraordinary. Born on August 12, 2016, at just 27 weeks gestation and weighing only two pounds, she entered the world fighting. Her first home was the NICU, where she spent 91 days surrounded by monitors, dedicated caregivers, and a family learning strength in real time. It was there she earned the nickname “Rockstar Rian” from her care team—a reflection of the resilience and spirit she showed from day one. During those early days, our family found comfort in “You Got Me” by Gavin DeGraw, a song that became our theme and continues to remind us of how far she’s come.
Alongside the typical challenges of prematurity, Rian was also born with congenital heart disease, adding another layer to an already complex journey. At age two, she bravely underwent surgery to repair the hole in her heart, and at three, she was diagnosed with autism—milestones that shaped but never defined her path.
Now nine years old and in third grade, Rian shines through her creativity. She expresses herself through singing, dancing, acting, drawing, and crafting her own colorful world. Her imagination knows no limits.
Rian is more than her challenges—she is a true “Rockstar,” an artist, and an imaginative spirit who continues to persevere, inspire, and create beauty from every part of her journey.

What makes you proud of your NICU graduate?
What makes me proud of my NICU graduate is who Rian has become—her spirit, her creativity, and the way she experiences the world so authentically. She approaches life with curiosity and imagination, finding joy in the little things and expressing herself in ways that are beautifully her own.
I am proud of her confidence in being unapologetically herself. As she says, “I was just born different from everyone else,” and she truly embraces that difference as a strength. Whether she’s creating art or stepping into a character she’s dreamed up, she fully leans into what she loves.
Her courage shines especially bright when she performs on stage through theater, singing, and dancing—boldly sharing her talents and heart with others in a way that is both inspiring and fearless.
Rian teaches me patience, perspective, and what it means to celebrate progress in all forms. She inspires me daily, reminding me that being different is not something to overcome—but something to celebrate

Weight at Birth (lbs. or Grams)
2 lbs

Weeks Gestation
27 weeks

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