HARTFORD, Conn. — It's graduation season and Zahraliz Francis Angueira has had the first one of her short life.
Born on February 22, Zahraliz weighed 12.4 ounces, and was considered a micro-preemie. Her mother, Neyshaliz, delivered her at 22 weeks into her pregnancy.
On Thursday, Zahraliz, called St. Francis's 'Miracle baby", left the hospital to go home for the first time.
Angueira was admitted to Saint Francis Hospital on February 18 with symptoms of preterm labor. Two days later, Angueira fell ill with a respiratory virus and was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit.
Just four days later and weighing less than a pound, baby Zahraliz made her entrance into the world at 1:03 a.m. on February 22. As a “micro-preemie,” Zahraliz was at a much higher risk for major complications and the infant faced many challenges during her stay in the NICU. Under the care of Saint Francis’ Level III NICU team, led by Jose Arias-Camison, M.D., NICU Director, Zahraliz overcame the odds.
Zahraliz grew to 7 pounds, 5 ounces and was ready to go home after her 128-day stay – three days after her original due date.
Hospital staff who helped care for Zahraliz, gathered in the hospital Rotunda to wish the family well as they left for home.
Angueira offered hope to other NICU families facing the unknown. “I just want to share with everyone how caring the people I met at Saint Francis were,” said Angueira. “I am so grateful for the kindness and support that was given to us.”
Doug Stewart is the Senior Digital Content Producer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dstewart@fox61.com.
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