RJ

Child's Birth Year
2021

State/Province/Territory
California

NICU Hospital for my journey
CHOC at Mission Hospital

My NICU Graduate's Journey
The journey began unexpectedly at 29 weeks when a preeclampsia diagnosis led to my hospitalization at CHOC at Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo, CA. Just a week later, on March 17, 2021, our son RJ made his emergency c-section debut at 30 weeks, weighing just 2 pounds, 9 ounces, and measuring 14.25 inches.
For over three months, the NICU became our world. RJ faced immediate hurdles with feeding; he couldn't latch, and because I couldn’t produce enough milk, he relied on donor milk and formula. I carried a heavy weight of mom guilt—blaming myself for my low supply, for his early arrival, and for the fact that we couldn’t be with him 24/7. Still, my husband and I visited every single day, immersing ourselves in his routine of feedings, diaper changes, clothes swaps, and baths. Amidst the monitors, the NICU nurses and staff became our family. They were our rocks, providing the emotional scaffolding we needed to survive.
Our resilience was tested further when RJ contracted sepsis from a UTI, a setback stemming from Vesicoureteral Reflux, a congenital birth defect causing urine to backflow to his kidneys. Watching other families happily discharge while RJ’s stay was prolonged was heartbreaking. Simultaneously, my husband and I scrambled to manage a move to San Diego to be near family for support.
RJ was ultimately discharged with an NG tube. Today, we still keep in touch with his primary nurses to show our deepest appreciation. They didn't just save his life; they carried us through

What makes you proud of your NICU graduate?
What makes us most proud of our NICU graduate is his absolute resilience. Though his rocky start meant facing delays in his motor and verbal skills—requiring intensive occupational, physical, and speech therapy—RJ has never given up. He has persevered through every challenge and continues to work incredibly hard today to catch up with his peers.
Beyond his determination, his joyful spirit is a constant source of pride. RJ has grown into an incredibly happy kid who loves making new friends and brightens every room he enters. He has a passion for singing and dancing, and nothing brings him more joy than entertaining people and being surrounded by those he loves. Watching him transform from a fragile 2-pound baby into such a vibrant, social, and loving boy is our greatest blessing. He is a true fighter with a heart of pure gold.

Weight at Birth (lbs. or Grams)
2 lbs

Weeks Gestation
30 weeks

Time spent in the NICU (Specify Number of Days, Months, or Years)
2 months and 9 days