U.S. in Top 10 for Premature Births

I was born at 24 weeks after my mom slipped on an ice cube at work. The doctors attempted to delay the delivery with drugs, but it only worked for two days before the contractions picked up again. It just so happens that this was the coldest day on record in Wisconsin, even to this day. The actual air temperature was -30 degrees and the cars or ambulances would not start. My dad and grandpa spent hours using a torch to heat the gas tank on our car so it would start. Once it finally started, we made our way to the hospital, where doctors informed my parents that they were not equipped to handle such an early birth. My mom had to wait hours for an ambulance to be started, which then took her on a 90 minute trip to Theda Clark in Neenah, WI. I was born later that night and weighed only two pounds. During my three month stay in the NICU, I suffered from pneumonia and a brain bleed, which required surgery. My mom still has a hard time talking about seeing me scream and cry as they cut into my head. She asked the nurse if they gave me anything for the pain and the nurse told her that preemies didn't feel pain. Thankfully, now they know otherwise. There were several times when the doctors told my parents I was dying. Thankfully, due to the skilled doctors and nurses, and my family's incredible faith, I survived and have had a very fruitful life. I am now 27 years-old and recently graduated from Marquette University with honors. I feel truly blessed and I am thrilled at all the advances in neonatal care. More babies are surviving and thriving than ever before.

Andrew of IL 10:14AM June 08, 2012