Over the past few weeks, he has faced more challenges than any baby should. He has had repeated episodes where he stopped breathing, his heart rate dropped, and he has even needed resuscitation. After many tests, doctors have now found abnormalities on his brain, including calcifications, changes to the white matter, and the absence of his septum pellucidum. We still have many unanswered questions, and we don't yet know what the future holds.

Right now, every day is spent by Michael's side in hospital, hoping and praying for good news. The emotional, physical, and financial strain has been overwhelming.

We've created a GoFundMe to help with the costs of travelling to and from the hospital, meals, parking, and to ease some of the financial pressure so we can focus entirely on being there for Michael during this difficult time.

If you're able to donate, no matter how small, we would be forever grateful. If you can't donate, simply sharing our GoFundMe would mean the world to us and could help it reach someone who can.

Thank you so much for your kindness, support, and for keeping our little warrior in your thoughts and prayers. 💙

Track 18: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Practices

Join leading pediatric and neonatal healthcare professionals at 6th Global Pediatrics, Neonatology, Emergency Care Summit and Exhibition to explore the latest advancements, evidence-based NICU practices, and innovations in neonatal care.

Date: November 17–18, 2027 Venue: Dubai, UAE

When you doubt yourself, please remember that to your baby, the sound of your voice, the beat of your heart, and the smell of your skin are home. Whenever “why me’s” reverberate through your brain, remember that the answer comes when you sit in the stillness with that question. It was you because you are strong enough to get through this. It was you because you fight. It was you who hobbled down that hospital hallway, weak and dizzy, having lost liters of blood, to see your tiny baby. It was you because you show up, and you will keep showing up, long after the NICU days, for the doctor’s appointments and therapies. It was you because it takes a special kind of mother to have a voice, heartbeat, and skin soft enough to calm a two-pound infant, and a soul strong enough to conquer universes.

No one prepares you for the moment your newborn is taken into NICU.

The silence feels heavier. The machines feel louder than your thoughts. And all you can do is watch, wait, and hope.

Premature birth, breathing struggles, or unexpected complications don’t ask for permission. They just happen. And suddenly, love turns into waiting outside a glass wall, counting every small update like it is everything.

But inside the NICU, something quiet but powerful is always happening. Healing. One breath, one heartbeat, one small improvement at a time.

It is not just a unit. It is a place where fragile beginnings slowly find strength.