logo

Premature baby born at 22 weeks 'graduates' from ICU in full cap and gown

Rebelander Basilan
Aug 31, 2018
03:35 A.M.

Cullen Potter, who spent 160 days in the neonatal intensive care unit, received a full graduation ceremony when he was released.

Advertisement

On August 24, the University of South Alabama Children's and Women's Hospital in Mobile, Alabama shared the video of Cullen's graduation ceremony online.

In the clip, the little boy, who was born at 22 weeks, can be seen wearing a cap and gown.

Follow us on our Twitter account @amomama_usa to learn more and scroll down to watch the video.

His mother, Molli Potter, purchased the cap and gown from a local Build-A-Bear store, as reported by GMA.

Advertisement

Cullen's father, Robert Potter, said: "We were [at Build-A-Bear] with our older son and my wife was looking and thought it would fit Cullen. The hat was actually a little big."

The video also shows a nurse carrying Cullen, now five months old, through a hospital hallway. A graduation music can be heard playing in the background.

According to the NICU's nurse manager, Renee Rogers, the hospital's NICU holds about 80 newborns and almost half of them were born at less than 28 weeks.

Advertisement

Though nurses typically do a send-off for the infants and their families when they are discharged, Cullen was the first with graduation music and a cap and gown.

"Our families spend a lot of time here and we become family with each other," Rogers said. "When it’s time to go home, it’s emotional not just for the families but for the staff as well."

Cullen's parents wanted to give their baby a graduation ceremony to acknowledge his extraordinary survival.

Advertisement

"My wife was on bed rest for three and-a-half weeks and we were told by our local hospital that [Cullen] had a two percent chance to live," Robert recounted.

"We called 16 different hospitals in three different states to find a hospital that would deliver him at under 24 weeks."

When they welcomed Cullen in March, he weighed only 13.9 ounces. Just over one month from what was supposed to be his mid-July due date with a clean bill of health, he was discharged from the hospital.

Cullen is on a minimal dose of oxygen but has no complications.

"We're relieved to have everybody home together," Robert said. "With everything that could have happened, he is here and thriving."

Advertisement
info
Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories!
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy
Advertisement
Related posts

Users Say King Charles Did Not 'Look Well' before Cancer News – Glimpse into His Recent Years

February 06, 2024

Groom Waits at the Altar for Delayed Bride, Unaware She Would Die and Leave Him a Newborn Daughter

November 05, 2023

Kate Hudson’s Eldest Son Who Used to Wear Braces and Sported Long Hair Is All Grown Up and Taller than His Mother

October 27, 2023

The Princess of Wales’ Children Didn’t Visit Her during Her Two-Week Post-surgery Hospital Stay — Details

February 01, 2024

Prince William Speaks Out for the 1st Time on His Wife & Dad's Health Issues — The Public Sends Prayers

February 08, 2024

King Charles Speaks about Cancer Diagnosis for the 1st Time & Reveals Why He Made It Public

February 12, 2024

King Charles Speaks about Cancer Diagnosis for the 1st Time & Reveals Why He Made It Public

February 11, 2024

Prince William Attends BAFTAs for the 1st Time without Wife — His ‘Tired’ Look Worries the Public

February 19, 2024

‘I’m Sorry’: Prince William Gave a Rare Comment on Ailing Wife Catherine at the Baftas

February 22, 2024

‘I’m Sorry’: Prince William Gave a Rare Comment on Ailing Wife Catherine at the Baftas

February 21, 2024

People Share Best Loopholes That They Exploited For Years

December 29, 2023

‘Who Is Prince William’s +1?’: Pics of Prince William Sitting with a Woman at Event Dinner Spark Debate

February 14, 2024

‘Who Is Prince William’s +1?’: Pics of Prince William Sitting with a Woman at Event Dinner Spark Debate

February 12, 2024

Public Seriously Concerned about Princess Catherine's Condition after Queen Camilla's Charity Appearance

February 12, 2024