Meet William: 2019 Family Advocacy Day

William is participating at 2019 Speak Now for Kids Family Advocacy Day from June 25-26 in Washington, D.C. During the event, William will share information about his health journey and the importance of children’s health care with members of Congress. Below is his story.

William had a hard start at life. From day one, the odds of survival for this twinless twin and micro preemie were low. He was born at 23 weeks weighing just 1lb 6 oz. William suffered seemingly endless bumps in the road, including bleeding in his lungs, numerous blood transfusions and surgeries, and a dangerous stomach infection called necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Despite these obstacles and challenges, this miracle micro preemie persevered—he survived it all.

After 124 days at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital NICU, William was discharged and has been thriving ever since! Because of the proactive and cutting edge care he received at the hospital, William no longer has many of the conditions he was born with. He is meeting milestones and catching up to his actual age! William beat the odds for survival and is now trying to race the other kids born full-term to each benchmark finish line.

William likes to spend time with his family, including his great-grandma and grandparents. He loves playing with toys, and eating ice cream and cookies! It’s a bright future ahead for this young warrior!

Join us in welcoming William to 2019 Family Advocacy Day!