Preemie Born at 23 Weeks Heads Home After 212 Days in NICU

Anaya, who weighed just 1 pound, 4 ounces at birth, overcame multiple life-threatening complications during her extended hospital stay.

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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After spending over 7 months in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Broward Health Medical Center, a baby born at just 23 weeks gestation has been discharged and is heading home to the Cayman Islands. Anaya was born weighing only 1 pound, 4 ounces and faced numerous serious medical issues during her 212-day hospital stay, but she has now grown to 10 pounds, 9 ounces and is ready to continue her care outside the hospital.

Why it matters

Caring for infants born at the earliest limits of viability is one of the most challenging areas of neonatal medicine. Anaya's successful discharge after overcoming so many obstacles highlights the dedication and expertise of the Broward Health NICU team, as well as the resilience of premature babies and the importance of access to advanced neonatal care.

The details

Anaya was born on July 8, 2025 at just 23 weeks gestation. She was airlifted from the Cayman Islands to Broward Health Medical Center, a Level I trauma center, where she was admitted directly to the NICU. During her 212-day hospital stay, Anaya faced multiple life-threatening complications including a fungal kidney infection, an ovarian cyst, and brain damage. She required constant, coordinated care from a large team of neonatologists, nurses, respiratory therapists, and other specialists to address her evolving medical needs.

  • Anaya was born on July 8, 2025 at 23 weeks gestation.
  • Anaya spent 212 days in the NICU at Broward Health Medical Center.
  • Anaya was discharged from the hospital in February 2026.

The players

Broward Health Medical Center

The flagship hospital of the Broward Health system and a Level I trauma center located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Anaya

A baby born at 23 weeks gestation who weighed only 1 pound, 4 ounces at birth and spent over 7 months in the NICU at Broward Health Medical Center.

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What they’re saying

“Faith and the daily work of that team carried her daughter through the most critical moments.”

— Anaya's mother

What’s next

Anaya is now heading home to the Cayman Islands, where she will continue follow-up care and monitoring as she grows.

The takeaway

Anaya's successful discharge after overcoming such extreme prematurity and multiple life-threatening complications is a testament to the dedication and expertise of the Broward Health NICU team, as well as the resilience of premature infants. Her story highlights the critical importance of access to advanced neonatal care for the most vulnerable newborns.