My name is Ciara and I am reaching out to request help for one of my closest friends Kristen and her family. Any support would be appreciated for their adorable and strong daughter Layla who is fighting in the NICU born at 22 weeks. Below is something I asked Kristen and her husband Joe to write:

Layla Elizabeth was born on 9/9/25 weighing 1 lb and 1 oz, at just 22 weeks due to major complications in my pregnancy. I spent 2 weeks in the hospital before she was born. Many doctors tried to “prepare” us for what was to come. Babies born at 22 weeks are not considered “viable.” Only 1-2 babies out of 10 will survive. Many do not make it out of the delivery room. Many more do not live longer than 3 days. Of the babies who do manage to survive, 95% will be discharged with at least one major complication and/or severe disability. We were told these babies come out weak, not moving and not crying. My husband and I were well aware of these circumstances, but we believed fiercely in our daughter and her strength.

Fast forward to the morning she arrived - amidst an emergent C-section where I was placed under general anesthesia, Layla was born. Somehow, unbelievably, she surprised everyone in the operating room. She came out completely pink, swinging her arms and legs, and she even cried, which is unheard of.

Layla is remarkably strong despite her circumstances. In fact, we were told that she is stronger than some babies who are born even at 25 weeks. She loves to kick the nurses, doctors, and her momma. She loves to try and remove her breathing tube when she thinks nobody is looking.

However, for how incredibly strong the rest of her tiny body is, her lungs make up for in terms of struggle. Layla has severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia, or BPD. Her lungs have collapsed quite a few times, which has caused damage and setbacks placing her far behind where a baby her age and size should be.

We are now at a point where her journey may move in a few different directions. She may be discharged with a tracheostomy and a feeding tube. She may need a transfer to a different hospital more suited to care for a baby this severely premature and critically ill - the closest ones to our home are located in Philadelphia or Boston, each are at least a 3 hour drive one way.

The amount of support needed for Layla will be significant no matter where she ends up. My husband and I are now trying to figure out how to give her that support while also taking care of our 2 year old daughter at home. My maternity leave will run out long before Layla comes home, and the care she will require at home will be beyond that of most newborn babies. At least one of us for certain will have to remain on leave from work unpaid.

Layla is by all accounts a true miracle and her strength and resilience is inspiring, but she is going to need some help and so will our family. We are asking for any amount of help possible to give Layla the best chance of a childhood and life she deserves.