Ian S. ~ Super Hero Alias: Ian Man!

Age: 8.5 years
Weight at Birth: 1 lb. 12.4 ounces
Weeks Gestation: 32 (26wks IUGR)
Time in the NICU: 45 days (about 5.5 weeks)

Diagnosis, complications, surgeries?

Multiple blood transfusions, Apnea of prematurity, Bradycardia, PICC line, Reflux, first head scan IUGR, Apnea, Bradycardia, patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), Double Hernia Surgery at 4 months – age 3 diagnosed with: ADHD, asthma and febrile seizure

Why should your child be recognized as “Preemie of the Year”?

Ian was nicknamed by the nurses and Doctors in the hospital as “Small but Mighty.” For only being 1 pound 12.4 ounces and 13 inches long he made a huge impact on all who met him. How a little baby boy can show such charisma and personality at his size was beyond me, but he did. One morning we came in to kangaroo with him and the nurse mentioned that the night before Ian had traveled the inner circumference of his isolette while strapped down in his little snuglie. She had never seen a micropreemie do so! We had so many ups and downs in and out of the hospital but his strength and attitude always inspired us.
When Ian was about to turn two and wasn’t walking, we were concerned. We met up with a physical therapist that worked with him doing visceral stimulation and Ian was walking within 12 hours. No, not walking, excitedly doing laps from our sofa to our door; back and forth for at least 20 minutes. He was giggling with excitement the whole time.

Ian has had a rough road with his asthma. We’ve had more ER visits than we could count as well as two 911 calls. Each time he held no ill will to the nurses or doctors; he would smile and work his charm. He views the hospital as a fun place which amazes me considering all he has been through.

Using three or more typical characteristics of a Super Hero, please describe your child.

Ian is the strongest and bravest kid I know. He has endured more than many of us ever have in our lives and has done it with a smile. Spinal taps, blood draws, multiple x-rays and more. There are times we cried watching him endure such things but he just sailed on through.

When he broke his leg at age 3 they gave him a bent leg cast because they said “he’d never be able to handle walking in a cast.” The cast went from the tip of his toes to his hip. It took Ian about 30 minutes to figure out how to do it but he did it and did it with glee! By the time the cast was to come off he’d worn off all but 1 layer of the cast material. He loves proving people wrong. He simply loves everyone he meets. He inspires me daily.