There are way too many heart-wrenching stories that come out of hospitals and neonatal intensive care units (NICU’s) around the world. Expectant families are affected every single day by babies that arrive too early — days, weeks, and even months before their expected full-term birth dates. Many of our listeners have known the grief involved in this experience, as has our family. At the end of today’s session, I want to tell you a couple of ways you can help some of the world’s most vulnerable citizens, if you’d like.
But I also know that NICU units contain some of the toughest fighters in the world; there are babies that scrap for every single breath, fight to gain every single ounce, and tenacious staff members and parents who pour unbelievable amounts of support and love into these small ones. Let me tell you about 3 of those toughies today. It’s a joy to do so!
Curtis Zy-Keith Means is a Guiness Book of Records world record holder. This young man is the smallest prematurely-born baby ever to survive to see his first birthday. His original due date had been November 11. Curtis was delivered at a gestational age of 21 weeks 1 day (148 days) at around 1 p.m. on 5 July .A full-term pregnancy is typically 40 weeks, or 280 days, making Curtis 132 days—almost 19 weeks—premature. He weighed 14.8 ounces, and was given practically zero percent chance to survive.
To everyone’s amazement, Curtis responded extraordinarily well to treatment and, as the days and weeks went on, he grew stronger and stronger — he began to “thrive” in the language of the NICU. Sadly, his incredible story of beating the odds is tempered with heartache because Curtis was a twin. Also delivered at 21 weeks 1 day, his sister—C’Asya Means—was less developed and did not respond to the treatment in the way her brother did. Tragically, she passed away just a day after birth.
275 days later, Curtis grew strong enough to go home with considerable special provisions for his care. Curtis, or “Poodie” as his family also call him, celebrated his first birthday the next July 5, which qualified him for his world record. His mom, dad, and three older siblings — who share in his care — rejoiced, along with Dr. Brian Sims and the staff in the NICU at the Univeristy of Alabama in Birmingham, Alabama:
“I’ve been doing this almost 20 years… but I’ve never seen a baby this young be as strong as he was… There was something special about Curtis.”
Another set of twins from half-way around the world were also given near zero chance of survival, these the Lee twins from Glasgow, Scotland. The boy-and-girl duo, named Macie and Marcus, were delivered at just 29 weeks (11 weeks too early). Macie was bigger, at 2 pounds, and her “little” brother, Marcus, was only 1 pound, 3 ounces. But there was good news for the tiny twins and their family.
A new specially-designed twin cot in the neonatal unit at Glasgow’s Royal Hospital for Children—allows preemie twins to sleep safely side-by-side. Keeping twins close can support their development, strengthen their bond, and offer comfort, not only to the babies, but to families who may not be able to stay by their side overnight. Each side can be adapted to suit individual needs, with the option to place a heat mat under one baby for extra temperature support. The entire cot can also be gently tilted to help ease reflux, which is common in premature babies. These features mean twins can remain side by side, while still receiving personalized care.
One of the neonatal nurses in charge told the Hospital Charity, “This cot has been a brilliant addition to the unit. It gives us the flexibility to care for twins in a way that’s safe, practical, and centered around the babies’ individual needs. It’s much easier for families to interact with their babies, which is so important, and it really helps support the kind of personalized care we strive to give every day.”
Proud great-grandparents Yvonne and Peter Prior are on a fundraising mission to ensure the neonatal unit can buy more twin cots to help other families in a similar position.
Yvonne, 67, said she is in awe of her ‘wee miracles’.
“Jennifer had a very tough pregnancy and was told to expect the worst at 20 weeks. It was a nightmare and we were all so worried at what lay ahead. She managed to hold on until she reached 29 weeks and Macie and Marcus arrived on January 10th this year.
“The twins continue to go from strength to strength. We could not be prouder.”
Our hearts go out to all families who endure the stress of a premature birth scenario, especially for those who, like C’yasa’s family, do not take a newborn baby home. For any of us who would like to do something to help all families and babies in this situation, I have included some links below where you can give. Of course, you can find out more and get involved with your local hospital, as a volunteer “baby rocker” or by donating there.
One day, may all babies be born in a world where they are safe, healthy, and loved. Amen and right on.
If you’d like to support the Glasgow Children’s Hospital along with the Lee Family, you can go here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/macie-marcus
In America, excellent sources to support children and their families are:
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