Lorenza P. ~ Super Hero Alias: Smily Lorenza
Lorenza P
Age: 6 years old
Weight at Birth: 2lbs 14oz
Weeks Gestation: 28 weeks
Time in the NICU: 46 days
Diagnosis, complications, surgeries?
ROP, brain bleed level 2, oxygen dependent until 6 months. Left side weakness…
Why should your children be recognized as “Preemies of the Year”?
Lorenza was brought to us by her angel twin brother Jacobe four days after their birth. We were searching for a child to love and had our papers ready to adopt a special child/children. Jacobe hung out on this earth for four days until the right parents were found. On the national day of love (Feb. 14th), we were called. He gave his sister a kiss (white patch on her left shoulder) and he flew back to heaven. Lorenza was a fighter from the start. She did and continues to do things in her own time with a determination that would beat most normal mere mortals. She has the power to make you smile on the dreariest of days and energy that expounds to everyone that meets her. She is a miracle like so many preemie children, but she just has that one “special” spark.
Using three or more typical characteristics of a Super Hero, please describe your children.
Determination- Lorenza has had determination from the first moment she took a breath on her own. She was determined to cry even when she had a vent. When she was learning to crawl, she would give it everything she had, and she was going to do it on her OWN! That has been true ever since.
Empathy- Lorenza has tremendous empathy for others. Whether that be a sickly puppy or one of her friends. She commiserates with them and helps them to the best of her ability. She sees others and wants to help, even when she doesn’t feel up to the task herself.
Amazingly strong- Lorenza is strong in body and mind. She knows what she wants and how she’s going to get it, not only for herself but for others. She is just amazing!!
What advice do you have for future NICU parents?
Remember to take a breath every so often. Take one moment at a time, minute, hour, day. Get support, you can’t do it alone. Most of all treasure their smallness…
