Meet Champion, Zaylee

Shortly after Zaylee’s birth, her parents learned she had Down syndrome, and she began showing signs of respiratory distress. Doctors quickly arranged for her transfer to UnityPoint Health St. Luke’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), 70 miles from her birthplace. She spent 14 days in the NICU, cared for by a dedicated team who helped her overcome breathing challenges, learn to feed, and gain strength. During her stay, Zaylee spent time in a Giraffe OmniBed, where she received oxygen, light therapy, and multiple occupational and physical therapy sessions to support her development. On Christmas Eve, her family found comfort in seeing her through the Children’s Miracle Network funded NicView camera when they couldn’t be at her side. Zaylee finally went home to meet her three siblings at two weeks old. Today, two-year-old Zaylee continues therapy at St. Luke’s and is growing into a joyful, thriving toddler who brightens every room.