Olivia

Child's Birth Year
2017

State/Province/Territory
Pennsylvania

NICU Hospital for my journey
Pennsylvania Hospital

My NICU Graduate's Journey
Olivia Grace was born at 24+1 weeks at Shore Memorial Hospital in NJ and CHOP transported to Pennsylvania Hospital. Olivia spent 152 long days in the NICU. While in the ICN, Olivia has Chronic Lung Disease, Retinopathy of Prematurity surgery, a large PDA, hyperthyroidism and Bilateral Grade 4 brain bleeds. Our doctors warned us that she would probably never walk or talk due to the significance of the brain bleeds. We almost lost her a couple times due to infections but she was and is a fighter. She faces each new challenge with a big smile and grit. After her lengthy stay in the NICU, she was diagnosed with Left hemiplegia. Even that diagnosis hasn’t stopped our girl. Today, Olivia Grace, our miracle girl is 8 and thriving. She loves her family, school, friends and all sports!

What makes you proud of your NICU graduate?
Olivia had a difficult and traumatic start to life, but looking at her smile and laugh each days makes me most proud. Her determination and grit towards anything she puts her mind to is an inspiration. Most things are slightly more challenging but that doesn’t stop her. She has been small and fierce from the very start!

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

Weeks Gestation
24 weeks 1 day

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