Here is an extraordinary story about a remarkable individual born in 1986 as a micro preemie survivor at 1 lb. 8oz, during a time of limited medical technology and experimental procedures. Christina emerged as a true warrior, surprising her parents and the NICU staff with her indomitable spirit. Join her as she shares a story of resilience, love, and the strength to fight against all odds.
"I’m a former micro preemie survivor who was born at 1 lb. 8 oz at 25 weeks in 1986, in the time of trial and error. With no advanced medical technology like today, there wasn’t any kangaroo care either. My parents held me like I was a porcelain doll.
I’ve endured NEC 3 times, PDA ligation at 2 weeks, collapsed lungs 44 times, numerous heel sticks, and O2 stats (where it’s hard to keep count of how many I had). This includes having ROP/RLF and being a candidate for cryotherapy surgery when it was in its experimental stage. Doctors wanted to use me as a lap rat to see where I stood, but my parents denied the surgery. The surgery would’ve left me completely blind. Turns out that the disease fixed itself, and I’m able to see but wear glasses!
I also dealt with the disease gangrene, which was caused by an infected IV that was infiltrated. A blood clot then traveled throughout my body and landed in my left foot. It caused gangrene, resulting in all of my toes to die from the gangrene, causing me to be physically handicapped. I’m able to walk perfectly fine without the use of braces.
There were multiple times my parents thought they were certain they were going to lose me, but I kept on surprising them and the NICU staff, somehow moving and wiggling in my incubator.
I don’t remember anything from the NICU, except I do know that I was wanted by my parents. I was and still am loved unconditionally by my family & NICU staff.
I’ve always been a warrior ever since I was born. It’s all I’ve ever known: to fight."
Love,
Christina Gagnon