Dashun's 485-Day NICU Journey

A routine hospital appointment took a terrifying turn when Tiffany unexpectedly went into labor at just 24 weeks, requiring an emergency C-section.  Her son was born weighing only one pound, nine ounces, and began a long and arduous journey in the NICU.  It was a month before Tiffany could finally hold him.  The feeling of helplessness was overwhelming; the instinct to protect and comfort her child felt tragically out of reach.  Her son remained hospitalized for 485 long days.  Each day brought new challenges, and the experience became more, not less, difficult.  Five brain surgeries led to the need for a tracheostomy and feeding tube.  Now, daily therapy sessions fill their lives, a constant reminder of her son's fragile start.  Adding to the stress, Tiffany was laid off the day of his last surgery.  Despite the immense emotional and practical burdens, she strives to maintain a positive outlook for her children and family.