A Georgia toddler born at just 22 weeks gestation, defying medical odds, is now thriving, offering hope to families facing premature births.
Tuff Born, aptly named for his resilience, celebrated his second birthday as a vibrant child, a testament to the value of life even in its earliest stages.
Tuff entered the world on Feb. 19, 2023, weighing a mere 1 pound, 4 ounces, at WellStar Kennestone Regional Medical Center in Marietta, Georgia. Born just one day past the threshold where doctors typically offer resuscitation, his survival was uncertain.
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“At one moment, we were preparing for funeral arrangements,” his mother, Michaela Born, told 11 Alive. Yet, Tuff’s fighting spirit proved otherwise. Michaela faced significant challenges during her pregnancy, including an “incompetent cervix,” which led to an emergency cerclage procedure at 19 weeks to delay labor.
After 10 days of hospital bedrest, she returned home to be with her then 6-year-old daughter, Baker, only for Tuff to arrive shortly after.
His 136-day stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) was a grueling journey, but Tuff emerged stronger than expected.
“We’re beyond blessed because at one point they told us if he did survive, he’d probably be plugged into a wall and have oxygen and then basically no quality of life,” Michaela told TODAY.com. “So he has proven to beat all odds.”
Now a toddler, Tuff is described as a “wild little man” full of energy and constantly babbling, according to his mother. His remarkable progress has astonished medical professionals.
“Sometimes doctors walk in the room, and they’re like, ‘There’s no way this kid was a 22-weeker!’” Michaela shared with TODAY.com.
The name Tuff, chosen by Michaela and her husband Jake, high school sweethearts inspired by professional rodeo bull rider Richard Neale “Tuff” Hedeman, has proven prophetic.
“We always just loved that name, Tuff,” Michaela said. “It ended up being more fitting than it ever was planned to be.”
Tuff’s story resonates deeply with pro-life advocates, who see his survival as a powerful affirmation of the sanctity of life, even at the earliest stages of development. Born at the edge of viability, Tuff’s journey underscores the potential for medical intervention to save extremely premature infants. His family recently celebrated his second birthday at the NICU that saved his life, a moment of gratitude for the medical team and a beacon of hope for others.
“Tuff is a walking miracle,” Michaela told 11 Alive, emphasizing the inspiration his story provides to families navigating similar challenges. As Tuff continues to thrive, his life stands as a reminder of the resilience and value inherent in every human being, no matter how small.
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Author: Steven Ertelt
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