Meet Champion, Sadie

Born four months prematurely, Sadie’s early days were a roller coaster of progress and setbacks. Born at just 660 grams, or .23 oz, every treatment depended on her tiny but determined body, and her family and care team followed her lead. In her 126 days in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), Sadie faced an underdeveloped heart and a fragile immune system that made infection a constant risk. Her lungs needed time to grow, making her well acquainted with ventilators and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Gradually, she transitioned to high-flow oxygen, then a nasal cannula, and after 121 days, she was breathing independently. Sadie’s eyes also needed close monitoring, and feeding was a challenge since the instinctive suck-swallow-breathe reflex wasn’t easy for her. After 126 days, Sadie was discharged home. Today, she continues to thrive, growing stronger each day thanks to the incredible care made possible by the Medical Center Health System Foundation.