Support George Brady Phifer's Fight for Life #GeorgieStrong

On May 7, 2025, we walked into what we thought was going to be a normal ultrasound. By that night, our son – George Brady Phifer – was born unexpectedly, nearly four months early.

His due date was not until August 29th, but the ultrasound that day revealed a concern that sent us straight to the Betty H. Cameron Women & Children’s Hospital in Wilmington, NC. By that night, it was determined that in order to save George’s life, he would have to be delivered immediately.

What began as a normal day eventually turned into a whirlwind of fear and uncertainty.

George was surgically delivered at 11:59 pm on 05/07/2025. Weighing just under a pound.

Although he was born at 23 weeks and 5 days gestational age, a placental deficiency caused him to be physically smaller and not as developed as his gestational age suggests. George is what doctors consider a micro-preemie, born just on the edge of viability.

His doctor told us hours after his birth that babies of a similar size and age have about a 25% chance of survival.

However, they did not know our George.

Today is 05/23/2025, and our son is still with us. He is a true fighter in every sense of the word.

Even in the most critical hours, when things were not looking good, George has continued to fight.

Three days after his birth, things suddenly began to look bleak. We didn’t know then, but his doctor told us later on that he did not think George was going to survive that night.

Hearing things like that shocks you to your core. You cannot prepare to hear your doctor tell you that he will ensure we are allowed to hold our baby if they reach a point where nothing else can be done, so that we are with him in the final hours.

Thankfully, George was able to get through those most critical of times, showing us his true Strength. He is still not out of the woods, and things can go wrong at any minute. Despite this, we are extremely grateful for where our boy is today.

We cannot help but thank God for allowing us to get to this point. The only reason we were able to catch this was due to George being in a difficult position during his first two anatomy scans, so an additional anatomy scan was required. Although we were initially frustrated that they were unable to see all that was needed on the first two attempts, we now understand that those events were necessary in placing us at the Maternal Fetal Medicine office on the day the issue was detected.

If the abnormality had not been caught when it was, it likely would have gone unnoticed until it was too late.

The NICU has become our world – our home away from home. A place full of beeping monitors, worried parents and quiet prayers. We are still trying to find a new normal in this new reality. We’ve been by his bedside every night since he was born, and we continue to sleep at the hospital each night. We’re told he may be in the NICU until September, and while the road ahead is long and uncertain, every day with our son is a gift.

Although George’s story is unconventional, we know that it is still Beautiful. George is our miracle baby, and we thank God for allowing us to be the parents of such a brave and wonderful boy.

We’re sharing George’s story because we could use help - through prayer, a donation, or just by sharing his story. We know the road doesn’t end when George leaves the NICU, there may be lifelong health challenges ahead, but we’re committed to giving him every chance at a full and beautiful life. All donations will go directly toward his medical expenses and things he’ll need on this long journey ahead.

With love,

Sean and Kendall Phifer

George’s Mom & Dad

#GeorgieStrong

Jeremiah 29:11