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Preemie born at 22 weeks now a thriving toddler: ‘He’s a walking miracle’
A Georgia preemie who was born at just 22 weeks is now a thriving toddler who recently celebrated his second birthday. His family is sharing his story to provide hope and inspiration to other parents who might also be dealing with a premature birth.
Key Takeaways:
Tuff Born was born at 22 weeks one day gestation.
He faced many medical challenges, but pulled through, and recently celebrated his second birthday at the NICU that saved his life.
His mom, Michela Born, calls Tuff “a walking miracle.”
The Details:
Tuff Born was just 22 weeks and one day in gestation when he was born in Marietta, Georgia. Born just one day after the point at which doctors typically wouldn’t offer resuscitation, his mom, Michela, told 11 Alive that they didn’t think little Tuff would make it.
“At one moment, we were preparing for funeral arrangements,” she said.
Tuff, however, defied the odds and pulled through. He recently celebrated his second birthday with a visit to the NICU at Wellstar Kennestone Hospital in Marietta, where he spent his earliest days.
Dixie Bonds, a nurse who cared for Tuff as an infant, said he is the youngest baby to ever leave the NICU at Wellstar Kennestone.
“Tuff is a kid that just inspires everyone,” Bonds said. “I think about him and his tiny self when he came out, and then the kid he is today, it reminds me we can do hard things when we have the right support around us.”
As Tuff ran around and ate a cupcake, his parents, Jake and Michela, marveled at how far he’s come.
“He’s a wild man. He’s the epitome of a crazy toddler,” Michela said. “So blessed. That’s all I can say, is we’re blessed … He’s a walking miracle.”
The Bottom Line:
With continued advancements in science and medicine, the survival rate of preterm infants continues to rise, and infants like Tuff who are born at 22 weeks have a 28% chance of survival with active care.
Jake and Michela told 11 Alive they hope that sharing the story of Tuff’s journey gives hope to others facing a premature birth.
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Human Interest·By Bridget Sielicki
