Micro-preemie goes home for Thanksgiving after 18 months in the hospital

After spending a year and a half in the hospital, a family in Queens, New York, is thrilled to finally bring their little girl home in time for Thanksgiving.

Key Takeaways:

• A preemie who weighed just over one pound at birth is now joining her family at home, after 18 months in the hospital.

• Leah Hope Montayes Macias battled many complications, including a heart defect, a brain bleed, pulmonary hypertension, and chronic lung disease.

• One of her doctors said that her success is a reminder that even the smallest infants have a chance to thrive.

The Details:

Leah Hope Montayes Macias was born at 24 weeks gestation, weighing just over one pound. Since her birth, the little girl has been at three different hospitals, receiving treatment for a variety of complications related to her early delivery, including a heart defect, a brain bleed, pulmonary hypertension, and chronic lung disease.

That long journey finally came to an end last week when Macias, who is now 18-months old, went home with her family for the first time.

18-month-old preemie discharged from hospital ahead of Thanksgiving

"It feels amazing," her mom Stephanie Macias told Good Morning America. "She has shown us how resilient she is, and this is the day we've just been waiting for, to bring her home."

"We're looking forward to waking up with our daughter. We're looking forward to Leah being around the house," her father, Andy Montayes, said.

Macias arrived at the third hospital of her infancy, Blythedale Children's Hospital, around Thanksgiving last year. One of her physicians, Dr. M. Susan LaTuga, explained that she was very sick at that time.

AMAZING: Youngest surviving preemie in the world, born at 21 weeks, is going home

"She was pretty sick when she got to us. She was breathing very fast and really needed a lot of respiratory support," LaTuga said.

"When she came here, she was all tensed up, wouldn't move. And now, she's dancing," Stephanie Macias added. "It's just amazing to see … she pushed through everything and she showed us what strength really is."

LaTuga used Macias' story as a chance to advocate for all preemies — especially those born like Macias was, at extremely early ages.

"I want folks to remember that there's hope that children who are born early thrive and do well ...," she said.

The Bottom Line:

Success stories like Macias' are a positive reminder that with loving care, children born at extremely premature ages have a chance of survival.