Addison P. ~ Super Hero Alias: Little Cinderella

Age: 4 years
Weight at Birth: 2lb 9oz
Weeks Gestation: 27 weeks
Time in the NICU: 63 days

Diagnosis, complications, surgeries?

Respiratory Distress Syndrome, apnea of prematurity, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), multiple blood transfusions, BIPAP requirements until age 1.5 months, heart murmur, tube feedings for 1.5 months.

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

We believe all preemies should be recognized as Preemies of the Year. They have all had to fight to live and many have endured things in their lives that many of us never will. Addison taught us that miracles really do happen, we are reminded of that every time we look at her. It is so amazing that a little tiny baby could survive all that she has. What an inspiration she has been to our family and friends. Because of her, all things in our lives have been better. We thank God for her everyday.

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

Addison…she is amazing! She is the strongest little girl I have ever known! She is a fighter, enduring the most scary things. She continues to battle frequent respiratory infections and being a little “behind” other children her age but she is making progress. She is always observing and learning, always leaving us in amazement of her accomplishments. Her preschool teachers tell us that she is the sweetest little girl. She is very compassionate and is always concerned about others around her.

My husband and I were married one week after Addison was born. I was still very sick and so was Addison. We informed the nurses in the NICU that we were going to be coming to the hospital right after the ceremony, I couldn’t go a whole night without seeing her. When we arrived, Addison was wearing a wedding dress that one of the nurses had made for her in honor of our special day. It was the first time Addison was allowed to wear clothes. We were able to hold her and our photographer took some great pictures of Addison and I in our wedding dresses! The NICU nurses made her stay in the NICU a little less scary and always treated her like a little princess.

Most of all, Addison is an inspiration to us all.

What advice do you have for future NICU parents?

Please ask questions.  Talk with other families in the NICU if you can.  We still keep in touch with a few families 4 years later.  The journey doesn’t end when you get home…it lasts a lifetime!

Describe how Hand to Hold’s services are meaningful to you and future families. What kind of support would have helped you most during your journey?

The support Hand to Hold offers is so meaningful and important.  I wish I had known about this when we were in the NICU.  Support from others who are going through the same thing is what families need.