Sofia

Child's Birth Year
2021

State/Province/Territory
Indiana

NICU Hospital for my journey
Riley Hospital for Children

My NICU Graduate's Journey
Sofia Ann Raffaelli is a vibrant and brave 4-year-old who has
brought immense joy to our lives. Born on September 17, 2021,
Sofia’s journey began in a way that was both challenging and miraculous. She was delivered early via emergency C-section because her mom faced a life-threatening case of COVID-19.
In her first hours of life, Sofia, a tiny girl, brand new to the world, faced an uphill battle on her own. Her mother, now in a coma, and her father could not be with her in the hospital. She was
transferred between hospitals not once, but twice, and underwent intestinal surgery all within the span of her first 24 hours. It was a
tumultuous start, but Sofia’s spirit was strong from the very beginning. She finally met her dad when she was one week old, and the moment was filled with the profound joy and relief of connection amidst uncertainty. Her mother finally held her in her arms at 25 days old, a moment that touched the hearts of so many who’d prayed it into reality.On Thanksgiving Day, 2021, as we gathered to reflect on what we were grateful for, we received the news that Sofia had cystic fibrosis (CF). This diagnosis marked the beginning of a new chapter filled with both challenges and hope. It wasn’t the answer we’d hoped to get, but we were thankful to have an answer at that point.
Sofia spent 81 days in the NICU and another 13 days on the pulmonary floor at Riley Hospital for Children. Those days were filled with uncertainty as we navigated her medical needs and the complexities of her condition. We faced the emotional challenges of being away from our baby, but the caring staff at the hospital provided us with support and guidance. Just in time for Christmas, we were finally able to bring Sofia home on December 20, 2021. The holiday season was filled with immense gratitude, as we celebrated the precious gift of being together. Despite the challenges, Sofia's laughter and spirit have always shone brightly, reminding us to celebrate every small victory.
Now, at four years old, Sofia is a beautiful, spirited little girl who loves to play with her brothers and friends, sing, dance, and be outside. She loves going to preschool, playing with her babies and princesses. Sofia's days are filled with joy, and she embraces life with an infectious enthusiasm. Today, a typical day for Sofia involves a structured routine that includes taking medications, doing chest physiotherapy, breathing treatments, and receiving special tube feeds to ensure she gets the nutrients she needs.

What makes you proud of your NICU graduate?
While managing cystic fibrosis can be demanding, Sofia approaches her treatments with a remarkable spirit, often turning them into playful moments.
Sofia’s journey is a testament to the power of family, community, and the unwavering spirit of a little girl who has already taught us so much.

Weight at Birth (lbs. or Grams)
4 lbs 3oz

Weeks Gestation
33 weeks

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