Our NICU Journey
The Reason Behind Mission NICU 

José was born at 27 weeks + 6 days, which means he was 12 weeks premature. 
He weighed a tiny 1.05kg (2lb 3oz) and spent a long 102 days in two Neonatal Intensive Care Units.
He had Jaundice, Infections, Blood Transfusions, Patent Ductus arteriosus  and Failure to Thrive. However, José's main complication was with his lungs. 

During his stay he required a ventilator for his breathing for 83 days, which was due to having under developed lungs and multiple Pneumothorax. The chest drains used to remove the Pneumothorax caused his right-hemi diaphragm to become elevated, which resulted in José undergoing surgery at 2 months old  (8 months gestational age) . He was diagnosed with Chronic Lung Disease and his right-hemi diaphragm remains paralyzed. 

Following José's discharge he continued to use oxygen at home for a further 6 months, and still uses it during the winter months. 

This was just the very beginning of José's life, he is now a happy 5 year old boy with many health and behavioural diagnoses.
Follow his Journey on Instagram @justjose16