Hi everyone, Please take a moment to let me introduce you to Hugh, the first born son to Alex Lewis and his wife Shayla.

Hugh was unexpectedly born at 27 weeks gestation on Nov. 28, 2023 and is categorized as a micro-preemie weighing in at 1 lb 7.6 oz, 11.5 inches long.

He has resided in the tier 3 NICU since his birth. Due to his critical condition, he was admitted into the highest level neonatal intensive care unit.

Hugh’s main medical concerns have been extreme immaturity of newborn, Anemia, Respiratory insufficiency, Bronchopulmonary dysplasia, inguinal hernia, Retinopathy of Prematurity, & slow feeding in newborn. He has received many blood transfusions, countless sticks for lab work, weekly eye exams, echocardiograms, a swallow study, head ultrasounds, abdominal X-rays, groin ultrasounds, & kidney ultrasounds.

He is currently receiving physical therapy to work on muscle tone, occupational and speech therapy to work on feeding and tone, and music therapy to aid in pacing with his feedings and his pain management. He also has a dedicated respiratory therapist for his breathing needs. He started out life intubated for the first two months and has since graduated from C-Pap & the high flow nasal cannula, to room air. He still receives supplemental oxygen support on a case by case day to day basis. Hugh has a daily medicine regimen which includes iron, potassium, diuretics, nebulizer treatments, nasal drops, and reflux medication.

His journey continues in the NICU on day 127 of life (4/4/24). He’s slowing getting healthier each day and the Lewis Family is finally able to bring him home today.

Once home, Hugh will need to receive the same neonatal therapies in an outpatient setting as well as continuing care with a specialized pediatrician. A lot of work is still to be done to improve his breathing and ability to properly stay fed. In the months to come, Hugh will continue to undergo frequent testing and medical exams to keep an eye on any potential long term health damage.

Thank you for taking time to listen to baby Hugh’s story and choosing to support him and his family as they continue to fight for a brighter future.

The journey has just begun.