
Aralyn spent 166 days in the NICU after being born nearly 4 months early.
Aralyn is a true miracle in my and my husband’s eyes. She came to us Sept. 24 – 15 weeks early and after 2 miscarriages. She weighed 1 pound and 14 ounces and was 12.2 inches long.
We never thought we would ever face the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit), but thanks to Akron Children’s they were able to walk me through the process and were able to save her. They were there for me from changing her first diaper, to holding her for the first time at 4 days old, to being able to see her on cpap and hearing her first cry that made my heart melt.

Mommy Toni had to wait 4 days old to hold her first child in the NICU.
Every day was scary because of the unknown. I’m thankful for my nurses who helped me on the days that were harder than ever: to show me life outside of my body still growing and fighting, to know you can love your child that is so tiny an fragile but yet so very strong. She’s a NICU survivor!

Aralyn was 3 months old when Santa and Mrs. Claus visited her in the NICU on Christmas eve.
She had several failed attempts of being able to breathe on her own but her doctors didn’t give up on her. She was breathing room air on Feb. 13 – at 4.5 months old!
She failed at bottles but that didn’t stop her either. After 166 days in the NICU and a surgery, she’s now a happy “tubie” who’s 1!
She’s endured a lot in her short life but that only shows me and her father what great things she will accomplish in her life. I want to send the biggest thank you for giving me the opportunity to enjoy my miracle rainbow baby!
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