Lilly Rae, born at 22 weeks and weighing just over a pound, the same weight as a bag of diapers, has turned one today and is Norfolk and Norwich Hospital’s youngest ever surviving premature baby.
Described as a “little 22-week miracle”, Lilly had to spend her first five months in a neonatal intensive care unit before her parents could take her home.
Doctors at Great Ormond Street Hospital are now “cautiously optimistic” that little Lilly will overcome her premature birth, when she was born without a heartbeat, as well as her recently diagnosed pulmonary hypertension, which affects her lungs.
Dr Priya Muthukumar said: “Remaining well and at home during this winter is crucial for Lilly as her lungs are extremely fragile. I wish Lilly a very happy birthday and many more to come.”
Tayla, Lilly’s mother, said: “We are going to celebrate the fact that she is one and I am so excited to tell her that she is a year old, and what a remarkable little girl she is, but we also have to rewrite that history because that day a year ago was one of the worst days of our lives.
“Whenever we get upset about the setback with her lungs Priya tells us this is something Lilly is going to have to overcome and then reminds us that she is a 22-weeker – and just how remarkable she is. We really are blessed.”
SPUC comment
A SPUC spokesperson said: “Lilly is indeed a little miracle. Despite her current condition, she has already achieved so much, with the help of doctors and the loving care of her parents.
“Today is a time of celebration. We wish Lilly all the best in the future.”
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