https://www.wmtv15news.com/2026/08/20/real-life-miracle-wisconsin-baby-born-125-ounces-graduates-nicu-after-375-days-hospital/

Our Miracle Baby Raelynn

After doing everything she could to keep baby Raelynn safely in her womb, Aubree had no choice but to deliver her at just 23 weeks and 6 days to protect the lives of both mother and baby.

Raelynn was born on July 18, 2025, at 12:13 a.m., weighing only 12.5 ounces. By the grace of God and with the help of an incredible team of doctors and medical professionals, Raelynn was considered critically stable. Even so, we were told she likely would not make it through the night.

We told the doctors that we were looking forward to Raelynn proving them wrong—and she did exactly that.

After an incredible 375 days in the hospital, Raelynn finally graduated and came home. During those 375 days, she overcame obstacle after obstacle, including an amazing and, as her doctors described it, “ unheard of”recovery from open-heart surgery.

With the exceptional care she received at UnityPoint Health–Meriter and UW Health University of Wisconsin Children’s Hospital, along with her own incredible strength and determination, Raelynn continued to fight when the odds were against her. She is truly a fighter who refused to give up.

Raelynn's journey has also helped pave the way for future babies. During her care, experimental procedures and treatments were used that have since been implemented with other babies born after her. Her story may continue to make a difference far beyond her own journey.

Aubree's Fight

While Raelynn was fighting for her life, her momma, Aubree, was fighting her own battle.

Aubree was diagnosed with lupus nephritis at just 11 years old and was once told that it was very likely she would never be able to become a mother. But God had other plans. ❤️

Becoming Raelynn's mom came with challenges that no mother should ever have to face. Pregnancy took a significant toll on Aubree's kidneys, and she spent her own share of time in the hospital. Even while hospitalized at UW Madison, Aubree continued doing everything she could to care for Raelynn, sometimes attached to an IV pole herself.

Today, Aubree is in need of a kidney transplant.

Before she can move forward, our hope is to help her get caught up on the medical bills that have accumulated throughout this long and difficult journey. We are also hoping to raise enough money to help her obtain a reliable vehicle, she thinks a minivan, to safely transport both Aubree and Raelynn, along with all of Raelynn's medical equipment.

A Mother's Dream

Before everything changed, Aubree was working two full-time jobs as a CNA while attending school with the dream of becoming a NICU nurse.

That dream may have been put on hold, but it has never been forgotten.

If anything, everything Aubree and Raelynn have experienced has made Aubree even more determined to reach that goal. She wants to return to school and one day use her experiences to help and care for other critically ill babies and their families.

If possible, Aubree hopes to complete the remainder of her general education classes before receiving her kidney transplant. Regardless of how that timeline unfolds, we want to give her the opportunity to continue pursuing her dream without being held back by overwhelming medical debt and everyday expenses.

Right now, they also need help with their daily living expenses, especially as Raelynn's disability benefits have not yet come through.

How You Can Help

Aubree and Raelynn have already fought battles that most of us can hardly imagine. They have shown incredible strength, faith, perseverance, and love through every setback and every uncertain moment.

Now, they need a little help from their community.

Any donation, no matter the amount, can help ease the financial burden of medical bills, transportation, everyday expenses, and the many costs that come with Raelynn's ongoing 24/7 medical needs and Aubree's journey toward a kidney transplant.

If you are unable to donate, sharing their story, offering prayers, or simply helping spread the word means more than you know.

Our greatest hope is that, as Raelynn continues to grow stronger and eventually becomes less dependent on the constant care she needs today, and as Aubree receives the kidney transplant she desperately needs, they can both move forward toward a healthier and brighter future.

A future where Aubree can return to school, become the NICU nurse she has always dreamed of being, and use her experiences to help other families.

A future where Raelynn can continue to prove that miracles really do happen.

Please help me, Tracey, Aubree’s mom, support Aubree and Raelynn as they continue their fight. Your support will help me to pay their ongoing bills and toward getting the reliable vehicle they so desperately need. Every donation and share means so much to our family. Thank you for your love and support!❤️