JARED'S STORY

Jared was born on July 24, 2001 weighing 2lbs, 3 ounces. He was 27 weeks gestation. Initially, we believed that Jared was much healthier than Lexi. However, we soon learned Jared was suffering from severe lung disease. Jared’s lung disease caused two major problems. First, his underdeveloped lungs were to damaged to work on their own. He required large amounts of oxygen to prevent apnea episodes. He spent one month on the ventilator, three weeks on a C-Pap, and three months on the nasal cannula. His lung disease also made his body retain fluid. He needed to be on two diuretics to get rid of this extra fluid. The diuretics made it hard for Jared to gain weight his first two months.

After 67 days in the NICU, Jared was released weighing 5lbs, 4 ounces. He was released with oxygen, an apnea monitor and 13 medications. He also required a 6-calorie formula to help with his weight gain.

Jared also needed weekly weight checks and monthly Synagis injections to prevent RSV. He spent his first four months home on oxygen and his first nine months on medication.

Today, Jared is 6 years old and a healthy 40lbs. He loves Harry Potter and his big sister. Jared is developing at his corrected age but is monitored by early intervention to prevent any future delays.