Ontario mom shares incredible survival story of baby born at size of a marker
An Ontario mom is sharing the incredible survival story of her infant son.
Jaxen Green arrived premature, the size of Sharpie marker on Feb. 5. He was so tiny a ring could wrap around his foot, but four-and-a-half months later he's a big miracle - weighing seven and a half pounds.
"No one expects to gets pregnant and expects this to happen," Amanda Green of Bomanville, Ont. told CTV News Toronto in an interview Wednesday outside SickKids hospital.
When Green's water broke at 21 weeks and two days, four months before her due date, Jaxen’s life suddenly hung in the balance.
She said she then advocated to receive medical care at a high-risk obstetrics hospital in downtown Toronto.
"Where I later gave birth to Jaxen at 23 (weeks) and one (day), which he was a week passed viability. We signed the papers for full resuscitation. Given 10 per cent chances and odds of survival, a ton of deficits long-term and we took the chance on him."
Three days later Jaxen was moved to SickKids, where in return he has been continually fighting and growing.
Green said her son has endured several blood transfusions and surgeries.
"I remember sitting there, leaning over an incubator being told it's day-by-day, hour-by-hour, sitting there crying filled with fear, so many unknowns," she said.
"And now you look at him and he’s this full baby. And we've completely watched him grow, we seen him develop in front of our eyes. His eyes were fused shut when we met him. So we’ve really witnessed the power of medicine and we are forever grateful for this hospital."
The family now spends a lot of time at the hospital, caring, feeding and holding their miracle baby.
Green is also raising money for the NICU at SickKids, proceeds from 500 teddy bears already sold are planned as a gift to the unit.
She is also looking at ordering a new shipment to donate even more money.
"I will never take anything for granted. I think it’s important to inspire and educate. Empower people that don’t believe anything can happen because we know that anything can happen. It’s been a hard journey but motherhood comes with a lot of sacrifice."
"Our little warrior is going to have the best future."
Green says while there is no crystal ball to what health challenges Jaxen may face long-term, they are hopeful his health will continue on an upwards trajectory and he’ll keep amazing everyone around him.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
King Charles' cancer treatment progressing well, says Buckingham Palace
King Charles III’s doctors are 'sufficiently pleased' with his cancer treatment and he is expected to return to public-facing duties, Buckingham Palace announced on Friday.
AFN chief says Air Canada offered a 15% discount after her headdress was mishandled
After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief complained to Air Canada about how staffers treated her and her ceremonial headdress on a flight this week, she says the airline responded by offering a 15 per cent discount on her next flight.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
DEVELOPING Bird flu outbreaks: WHO weighs in on public health risk
The current overall public health risk posed by the H5N1 bird flu virus is low, the World Health Organization said on Friday, but urged countries to stay alert for cases of animal-to-human transmission.
76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid says he has Bell's palsy
Philadelphia 76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid has been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, a form of facial paralysis he says has affected him since before the play-in tournament.
Island near Mull of Kintyre for sale for US$3.1 million
An idyllic 453-acre private island is up for sale off the west coast of Scotland and it comes with sandy beaches, puffins galore, seven houses, a pub, a helipad and a flock of black-faced sheep.
Regina police officer injured after being accidentally shot by fellow officer's gun
An investigation is underway after a Regina police officer was accidentally shot by a fellow officer’s gun during the search of a house early Friday morning.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video
A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.