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Our Miracle Stories
Zachary and Jack's Story Zachary and Jack were born in May 2002 at 24 weeks gestation, each weighing 1 lb 9 oz. At 12.5 inches long, they basically fit in the palms of our hands, and had to spend the first three and a half months of their lives at the Saint Barnabas Medical Center NICU under the expert care of the doctors and staff. Each had many difficulties during their stay and their conditions changed practically every hour. The NICU staff gave 100% each and every day, and was always there to guide us through the tough times with care and compassion, and even to lend a shoulder to cry on. Today the boys are five years old, energetic, active and have a strong desire to learn. Zachary loves playing the guitar and knows almost all of The Beatles songs by heart. Jack is an artist at heart, and loves spending time on puzzles. We are so grateful to the NICU at Saint Barnabas for our two most precious gifts. Elisa and Scott
Hannah and Madison's Story In July of 2000, our twin daughters Hannah and Madison came into this world prematurely. They were born at 24 weeks and 3 days gestation. Hannah weighed only 1 lb 3 ounces and Madison 1 lb 7.6 ounces. They spent 114 and 99 days respectively at the Saint Barnabas NICU. Each had many difficulties during their stay and their conditions changed practically every hour. We do not know how they or our family survived these times. Thinking back, we remember the care and dedication that the staff in the NICU gave to Hannah and Madison. Although our daughters had many ups and downs, the Unit’s team always gave 100% to ensure that the girls would come home soon to us. Today, they are both healthy and happy little girls involved in ballet, singing and just being little princesses. We thank the nurses and doctors almost every day for our two beautiful little girls. They truly are miracles! Gary and Mari
Joshua's Story After having two girls, we were unimaginably excited to learn that our last child would be a boy. Most couples have nine months to decide on the perfect name. My husband liked Blake and I liked Ryan. Much to our surprise, the fact that our baby was born three months early, weighing only 1 pound 6.6 ounces, helped us decide. We named him Joshua, which means gift of G-d. Having a sick newborn is probably a parent’s worst nightmare. Fortunately for us, the doctors and nurses at the Saint Barnabas Medical Center NICU explained each procedure, and took the time to answer questions and quell our fears with the utmost care and compassion. With the help of everyone in the NICU our BIG miracle is home...under the watchful eyes of his older sisters Blair and Lindsey who, by now, have forgotten the stress and strain of his birth. They see their brother eating, sleeping, playing, and pooping just like any other baby would do. For that, we are eternally grateful. Suzy and Jonathan
Christopher's Story When we found out that we were expecting our first child, we couldn’t have been happier. With a due date of 01/01/01, we had a possible New Years baby. However, on October 27, 2000, eight weeks before his due date, Christopher came into our lives. Weighing only 3 lbs, 13 oz., he spent the first 33 days of his life in the Saint Barnabas Medical Center Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Being first time parents, this was a scary time for us. The care and dedication that the entire NICU staff gave was above and beyond what we could have imagined. They were always there to answer questions, give support, hugs, and even tissues. Now Christopher is a healthy and active five (almost six) year old. He enjoys school, playing ball, riding his bicycle, and being our big guy. We are truly thankful to the NICU staff for our little miracle. Judy and John
Kia's Story
In February 1994, our daughter Kia was born at Saint Barnabas Medical Center, weighing 1 lb. 15 oz. Delivered at 28 weeks, she was placed on a respirator and transported to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Kia stayed in the NICU for 3 months. During those challenging months the NICU staff not only nurtured Kia, they aided her growth and development. The staff also guided us through the difficult time with care and understanding. After gaining 2 1/2 lbs. Kia was released to begin her new life. Kia is now involved in various activities. She is a member of the River Trail Middle School Competitive Chorus and the GO Girls! Social Club. Listening to music and writing stories are two things she enjoys doing in her free time. Kia, now thirteen, will celebrate Miracle Walk’s 7th anniversary with us, her younger sister Kelly, family, and friends. Benae and Kendall
Francesca and Victoria's Story Francesca and Victoria were born the night before Mother’s Day, 2006 at just 26 weeks gestation. When you see your children weighing 1.7 and 1.8 lbs, and measuring only 12” long, there are feelings of helplessness and sadness combined with elation that only few can explain. Our 3-month experience in the NICU had many ups and quite a few downs. We endured many obstacles and complications associated with being a Preemie, and had to be strong not only for our children, but for each other when faced with a world of uncertainty where every 12 hours of life is a “big step” for your child. Thanks to the professionalism, knowledge and compassion of the entire NICU staff, our children were able to survive their rough start. Today, the girls are almost one year old, learning and growing in leaps and bounds on their way to a happy and fruitful life. No words can describe the gratitude we have for the people who took part in saving our girls’ lives. Every day is a blessing. Linda Rose and Victor
Jane Veronica's Story
Our precious little miracle, Jane Veronica came into the world 16 weeks early weighing a mere 1 lb. 3 oz. Needless to say we were in the state of shock and didn’t know what to expect. We were terrified to say the least. From day one the staff at Saint Barnabas took extra special care of our extra special daughter. The doctors and nurses alike were not only informative but caring and literally held our hand the whole way through. We were told that the journey would consist of many peaks and valleys. Truer words were never spoken. Thankfully, highly trained and motivated doctors and nurses were always there to administer whatever was needed for each individual baby. It is hard to believe that it has been over two years since Jane had her four plus month stay in the NICU. Baby Jane is thriving and brings immeasurable joy every day to our family, especially big sister Sarah, who was a short-term NICU baby herself. We are and will always be eternally grateful to the Saint Barnabas staff for saving the life of our little miracle.
Josiah’s Story Our son Josiah was born on May 7, 2006 at 26 weeks gestation, weighing only 1 lb. 3oz. It was a very scary time for us. Josiah was so tiny that he could fit in the palm of one of our hands. You would think that someone that small and fragile would not have a chance of surviving. During the first half of our son’s three month stay in the NICU, we could not imagine ever wanting to leave our son’s bedside because his condition was always changing. The doctors, nurses and support staff of the NICU helped us feel reassured and confident that Josiah was in the best hands. Throughout our son’s stay we developed a very special relationship with the doctors and nurses of the NICU so much so that we all just became one big family. Whenever Josiah took a step back, they were always there with encouraging words and a hug to let us know that everything was going to be okay. Today, at 22 months and weighing well over 28 lbs., Josiah is a healthy, loving, energetic little boy who loves to sing, play basketball and football, and wrestle with his big brother Tyree. He is such an inspiration to our family and friends and reminds us each and every day that miracles really do happen. Mahadi and Tawonna
Matthew’s Story Miracle Walk was an event that we initially attended as members of the community supporting our local hospital. We continued our dedication to the walk after our son Ethan was born at Saint Barnabas in April of 2003. When our second child Matthew was born, we had a new reason to support Miracle Walk as it took on an even greater meaning for us. On December 28, 2005, Matthew was born at a robust 7 lbs. 11ozs. Everything seemed fine within the first 24 hours of his birth. On December 29th, thanks to the quick action of a Saint Barnabas nurse, Matthew was rushed to the NICU for emergency care that none of us could have foreseen. In the NICU, Matthew received the immediate care he needed in the necessary time to be treated properly. We were kept well informed about his condition throughout his nine day stay. Not only were we pleased with the care he received, but we were equally impressed by the attention displayed to us by the NICU physicians, nurses and staff. The NICU staff gave us honest answers and helped us remember that having a newborn child is always a cause to celebrate. Today, Matthew is two years old and thriving. Due to the outstanding care he received, he is an extraordinary two-year-old boy who gives us much joy and happiness. We will forever be grateful for the care Matthew received and we know that Miracle Walk is a great way for us to always give back to the people who gave us everything. Michelle and Rob
Michael and Stephanie were born in May of 2003 at 26 weeks gestation. They were both 13 inches long, weighing 2 lbs., 2.4 oz. and 2 lbs., .06 oz. respectively. During their stay in the NICU, Michael and Stephanie faced almost every obstacle we could imagine. Each day, we went to the NICU never knowing what to expect, but were always comforted by the NICU staff. We are very grateful for the hard work and tireless efforts put forth by all the doctors, nurses and staff. Their kindness, round the clock attention and expertise enabled Stephanie to come home at 3 months and Michael at 4 months.
Today, Michael and Stephanie are healthy and happy 6 year olds, full of so much LIFE and LOVE. Each day they bring us so much JOY and HAPPINESS—they are our “TRUE MIRACLES”! No words can express our gratitude to every member of the NICU staff. They all hold a very special place in our hearts, always and forever.
With Heartfelt Thanks,
At 7 lbs., 3 oz., Will seemed downright out of place next to the preemies often found in the NICU. However, respiratory difficulties, jaundice, and infection led our first born into the caring hands of the NICU doctors and nurses. While only there two weeks, our stay left a profound impression on us as parents. To this day, my husband remarks that as a new father he learned to confidently feed, burp, bathe and change an infant from the nurses in the NICU. The experience, while initially overwhelming, turned into a wonderful partnership between staff and family as our son’s health flourished.
Nine years from our first experience, our resolve has only strengthened. The greatest way to show our appreciation is to continue to invest in this first-rate facility for the Miracle Babies yet to be born!
With Admiration,
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Michael and Stephanie's Story
Will, Grace and Olivia's Story
Less than two years later, Grace and Olivia arrived eight weeks early weighing 5 lbs. each. They too called the NICU home for the first couple weeks of their lives. Again, the care and attention we received from the staff was extraordinary and solidified our connection to this special unit.