Comments:
Our daughter Erica was born at 24 weeks gestation weighing only 1pound 1oz. The neonatologist gave Erica a 5% chance for survival and so we hoped but didn't really expect her to live. We received several phone calls from NICU requesting we come to the hospital NOW (sometimes after having just left) as she had taken a turn for the worse and they didn't expect her to live. We had the typical roller coaster ride in the NICU for four months and were always amazed at her fight for life. When we brought Erica home, we were oblivious to what lay ahead and we really didn't think about the future at that time, we were just ecstatic that she survived. The past five years have been full of countless visits to numerous specialists, surgeries, glasses, g-tube feedings, medicine, learning all of Erica little quirks, how to best handle her moods and how to best care for her. Our lives have changed so much. There are days we feel so blessed and so CHOSEN to have been given a child like Erica and other days(really moments) it feels like a curse. Only parents of a preemie with special needs can know what I mean. Erica is now 5 years old and in kindergarden. She amazes us every day and has taught us so much about love and what is really important in life. However, during those "moments" of frustration, fears and heartache, it would be great to have someone in a similar situation to talk with. It can be a lonely, scary world with a child with special needs and fear of the uncertain future is constanly in the back of your mind.

Comments:
Our daughter Erica was born at 24 weeks gestation weighing only 1pound 1oz. The neonatologist gave Erica a 5% chance for survival and so we hoped but didn't really expect her to live. We received several phone calls from NICU requesting we come to the hospital NOW (sometimes after having just left) as she had taken a turn for the worse and they didn't expect her to live. We had the typical roller coaster ride in the NICU for four months and were always amazed at her fight for life. When we brought Erica home, we were oblivious to what lay ahead and we really didn't think about the future at that time, we were just ecstatic that she survived. The past five years have been full of countless visits to numerous specialists, surgeries, glasses, g-tube feedings, medicine, learning all of Erica little quirks, how to best handle her moods and how to best care for her. Our lives have changed so much. There are days we feel so blessed and so CHOSEN to have been given a child like Erica and other days(really moments) it feels like a curse. Only parents of a preemie with special needs can know what I mean. Erica is now 5 years old and in kindergarden. She amazes us every day and has taught us so much about love and what is really important in life. However, during those "moments" of frustration, fears and heartache, it would be great to have someone in a similar situation to talk with. It can be a lonely, scary world with a child with special needs and fear of the uncertain future is constanly in the back of your mind.

Comments:
My daughter, Dominique Janae Foxx, was born on January 9, 2004 at 23 weeks and 6 days gestation. She weighed 1 pound and 3.2 ounces. After a courageous battle with prematurity, she went on to be with the Lord on March 9, 2004. I have created a website in her honor to help others who have gone through similar experiences. Feel free to look at the pictures and read about her story that's included on the site!

Comments:
Matthew was born at 33 weeks weighing only a little under 2 pounds. He is doing great, now at over 12 pounds and 7 months old. I would like to learn more about how to care about preemies, and share my experiences with others.

Comments:
Matthew was born at 33 weeks weighing only a little under 2 pounds. He is doing great, now at over 12 pounds and 7 months old. I would like to learn more about how to care about preemies, and share my experiences with others.