James Lucio
Sponsor: Commerce Printing Services

Connecticut
Rebecca (Age 5)
Premature Birth

When Dory of Rocky Hill, Conn., was just 24 weeks pregnant, her kidneys and liver began shutting down. Although it would mean a premature birth, an emergency C-section was necessary to save her and her unborn child.

Arriving 16 weeks early, baby Rebecca weighed only 1 pound, her tiny body no longer than a ruler. She was immediately taken to Connecticut Children’s Medical Center where she was cared for by the skilled and compassionate staff of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Most of her organs were underdeveloped and Rebecca had great difficulty breathing on her own. A comprehensive care plan was implemented that included a series of highly-advanced treatments to help her body grow and function normally. Three months later, after reaching several medical milestones, Rebecca went home weighing four pound and four ounces.

Today, Rebecca is a healthy, strong and vibrant 5-year-old. She loves to sing, dance and make her younger brother laugh. Her big plans for the future are to become a cheerleader, ballerina and scientist when she grows up.