Bentley was born at 27 1/2 weeks gestation, but was four weeks IUGR (intrauterine growth restricted). She weighed only 1 pound, 1 ounce when she was born. She spent 108 days total in the NICU.
It was quite the harrowing journey but we made it through, coming home with oxygen and monitors, weighing barely five pounds. We were very lucky as the only lingering impacts are asthma and just being small.
She is now a thriving 11-year old, even though she鈥檚 small for her age. She鈥檚 definitely our little miracle.
![Bentley Ruiz, former NICU patient](public://media/images/2023/Bentley Ruiz.jpeg)
![Bentley Ruiz, NICU patient at U of U Health](public://media/images/2023/Bentley Nicu Photo 6.jpg)
![Bentley in a NICU incubator](public://media/images/2023/Bentley Nicu Photo 2.jpg)
![Bentley in their parent's hands](public://media/images/2023/Bentley Nicu Photo 5.jpg)
![Close up of Bentley in the NICU incubator](public://media/images/2023/Bentley Nicu Photo 4.jpg)
Meet Our NICU Alumni
This is a special project that documents our NICU alumni. We are so grateful to watch these amazing young patients grow into their lives, despite a challenging start.