Jaquan T. Grant
I would like to introduce baby JJ who is an ex 24 week preemie who weighed only 1 pound 10oz at birth. JJ spent 126 days in the NICU and was discharged after undergoing prematurity of birth, open heart surgery, vocal cord paresis , laryngomalacia, stridor , G- tube placement, hernia repair, cyst removal, reflux, and ROP, which has now resolved . After discharge we followed up with over 9 specialist and came home with oxygen supplementation. Now JJ is a happy, healthy, thriving one year old who absolutely loves and adores his younger brother, loves to play with bubbles, read books, and explore the outdoors! Additionally, he loves to say “da-da” , eat table foods, and dance. We endured 4 long months in the NICU at the University of Maryland Medical Center and our experience was made so much easier with all of the support from staff members as well as former NICU families who donated various items and meals. We understand firsthand the toll it takes on families mentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually, and financially! We hope to raise funds to make this journey easier for NICU families.