‘Let the babies fight’: Parents of preemie home from NICU urge others not to give up

Preemie Kasan Kelley’s journey into the world began under extremely challenging circumstances. Born prematurely at 30 weeks, he weighed a mere one pound and one ounce. “He was the smallest baby I’ve ever seen,” Madelynn Gardner, his nurse at Trinity Health, told WZZM13.

The struggles for Kasan started well before his birth. During a 20-week growth scan, it became evident that Kasan was significantly undersized and had low amniotic fluid. “We were told there was a 0% chance of survival,” Kasan’s mother, Onyinye Kelley, shared somberly.

Despite the grim prognosis, the Kelleys chose to fight for their son’s life. “We were presented with options to either terminate the pregnancy late-term or let him pass naturally in the womb,” his father, Gemhyl Kelley, explained. “We decided that if he would fight, we would fight alongside him.”

As weeks passed, Kasan’s condition did not improve, and his growth lagged further behind. Tests showed insufficient blood flow through his umbilical cord. “We were told he probably wouldn’t make it through the week,” Onyinye recounted.

Despite this, their hope and prayers for a miracle persisted.

Dr. Steven Gelfand, the regional medical director of newborn medicine at Trinity Health West Michigan, shared the family’s concern. “I don’t like to speak in absolutes, but the likelihood of his survival was extremely low,” he admitted.

On a subsequent scan, Kasan showed improved blood flow, providing a narrow window for a safe delivery. The Kelleys rushed to the hospital, where Kasan’s heart rate began fluctuating, requiring an emergency delivery.

Against all odds, Kasan entered the world with a tiny yet strong cry. “We call him a buzzer beater because he always comes through at the last second,” said Gemhyl.

At birth, Kasan was so small he could be held in the palm of a hand. “In my 20 years of practicing neonatal medicine, I don’t recall taking care of a baby that small at 30 weeks,” Gelfand remarked.

Kasan’s growth journey in the NICU was slow but steady. Onyinye described the experience as emotionally challenging but also relieving, knowing he was receiving the care he needed. Each milestone, especially his weight gains, was a cause for celebration.

“The NICU staff made sure we didn’t miss any milestones,” Onyinye said. “They took pictures and created collages to capture these precious moments.”

The Kelleys spent most of their time in the NICU, forming deep bonds with the staff, whom they now consider family. However, at four months, Kasan developed pneumonia and required intubation.

“Things got pretty bad; we didn’t know if he would make it,” Onyinye confessed. Kasan was transferred to Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, where he continued to grow and recover over the next five months. Finally, after 266 days in the NICU, Kasan was ready to go home.

Now, Kasan is a happy and thriving miracle. “He’s worth everything we’ve been through,” Onyinye said with conviction. “We believe in miracles and want to encourage others not to give up. Let the babies fight; let them fight.”

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