Ashton Jeffrey Kaden Strohm was born on June 10th 2005 at 24 weeks gestation after five short hours of labor. He weighed in at 710 grams. He spent 227 days in neo natal intensive care before coming home January 23rd 2006. However he was only home four short days and returned to PICU for another 27 days. Ashton has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy and dystonia. He also feeds by GJ tube 20 hours per day and is currently in the process of going through for a cochlear implant. He is deaf in both his left and right ear.

After all he has been through and continues to go through he is a true miracle and fighter!

Please do what you can to support an organization that is leading the campaign to reduce premature birth by supporting research and by educating the public and health care providers.

This photo was sent to me by Shannon…Thank You!

November is “Prematurity Awareness Month” and the march of dimes website has a whole section of their site dedicated to babies born too early.

Our son was born at 24 weeks 1 day gestation weighing only 675 grams (1lb 7oz). At his lowest weight he was 490 grams, which is just an ounce over a pound. We were very lucky that our son was able to come home just 3 days after his official due date. Many parents we met stayed at the hospital much longer than we did.

Most people are not aware of what I call the “Secret World Of The NICU”. You cannot go and see the babies in there unless you are invited by their parents. Most people have only ever seen a micro-preemie [defined as a baby that is under 1 3/4 pounds (between 700-800 grams) and is generally born before 26 weeks gestation, but most people prefer to loosen this term up to include any baby under 3 pounds (1500 grams) or under 29 weeks gestation] in pictures.

During the month of November I will be profiling special babies who beat the odds of prematurity and are still fighting to develop each day!!

Please do what you can to support an organization that is leading the campaign to reduce premature birth by supporting research and by educating the public and health care providers.