Demitri

Child's Birth Year
2019

State/Province/Territory
Louisiana

NICU Hospital for my journey
Children's Hospital of New Orleans

My NICU Graduate's Journey
Demitri was born with a heart defect called TGA (Transposition of the Great Arteries) and it was a complete surprise to us. We had no idea his heart needed mending. Once delivered he was whisked away to the NICU for help with oxygen then transported to the Children's Hospital of New Orleans where he would undergo open heart surgery at just a week old. All of the surgeons, doctors, nurses, all who helped with Demitri were a God sent. We call him our Ironman. He was so strong and his resilience blew us away! Every year we see his Cardiologist and every year we leave with good news. We know there's a 50/50 chance he'll need to get stints in his ventricles to support them from his aorta closing in on them.

What makes you proud of your NICU graduate?
What's not to be proud of? He is a genius when it comes to Legos, a whiz when it comes to academics and has made honor with 4.0s. He's been showing up and showing out in karate demonstrating his Black Belt discipline. And his heart is so big and kind. He feels with everything he has. He's so literal and witty and shouts his love for God!

Weight at Birth (lbs. or Grams)
8lbs 15oz

Weeks Gestation
39 weeks, 2 days

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