Jonathon's Story

Images captured by Baotran Pham Photography

Born in May of this year, Tiny Light Jonathon has already amazed his family with his strength. Jonathon “talks” up a storm and smiles at everyone he sees. This sweet little boy also loves to cuddle and listen to his father read him stories.

Jonathon was born prematurely at 31 weeks and spent the first part of his life in the hospital with a CPAP machine to help him breathe and a NG tube for feeding. The hardest part for his parents was leaving him in the hospital when they went home. Even though they knew there wasn’t much they could do for him, they felt as if they were abandoning him each time they left.

Jonathon failed his car seat test in June and the day he was supposed to retake the test, a nurse found an inguinal hernia. He passed the car seat test but was kept in the hospital until he could receive surgery. It turned out he had two hernias, which were quickly repaired, and Jonathon finally arrived home on July 5^th.

This little guy has grown very quickly! At his seven month check up, the pediatrician said that Jonathon could be measured based on his birth date, rather than on his due date. This was a surprise, as most premature babies are measured based on their adjusted age until their second birthday. Jonathon is now at the 50^th percentile for height and weight when compared to other babies born full term on the same day he was. He is eating baby food and is almost able to sit up on his own. At this point, he does not seem to be delayed in any areas. His parents feel very blessed to have brought this little miracle into the world.

Story by Emily Harrison 

Meet Little Darius

Images Captured By Rhonda Steed Photography

Meet Tiny Light Darius.  Born only this past March, Darius has already overcome many obstacles.  Each day, he demonstrates to his family and friends his willingness to fight and grow stronger.

Darius was born prematurely at twenty seven weeks, both him and Mom experiencing many complications along the way.  His doctor expressed serious concern when his white blood cell count came back high, and he was put on a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine to help regulate his breathing.  At one month of age, moisture was found in his lungs and doctors continue to clear them out.  It is uncertain as to whether or not Darius will experience difficulty in areas of development in the future.  

The hardest part of their journey so far has been the first few days when Darius needed to be isolated; his parents were only able to touch him through the holes of the isolette and were unable to pick him up.  He was on oxygen, and had many wires and tubes helping to improve his health.  At the time, Dad was also working in Lethbridge and was only able to make it to Calgary to see them on the weekends.

His parents have learned that asking questions and being willing to do anything for your child will help bring you closer to your baby sooner.  Support from family and friends helps Darius’ parents keep strong and stay positive when they are feeling anxious.  

Darius’ test results continue to come back positive, alleviating some of his family’s fears.  Even though Darius is still small for his age, he has started cooing and kicking while playing in his crib.  He also enjoys checking out the scenery around him.  His family is hopeful that Darius will catch up and pass all of life’s milestones; they have faith that he will grow up to be a very bright child. 

Story written by Kristi Hall - Busque

Mikaela's Story

Images Captured by Michelle Wells Photography

Meet Mikaela. This Tiny Light is happy doing regular newborn stuff! As long as she is eating she is happy!
Mikaela was born 13 weeks premature. She was one of two co-existing twins in a molar pregnancy. The egg had split into what would have been identical twins, but one didn’t develop. Mikaela did. Because there have only been 300 documented cases of this scenario since 1954, the doctors were unsure how to care for them. After putting up a huge fight, Mikaela’s mother convinced the doctors to let her continue with the pregnancy.


It was found out after Mikaela could not be weaned from oxygen, that she had BPD, a chronic lung disease that affects newborn babies. She will continue to have follow-up appointments every two weeks for this condition. She also has follow-ups for her ROP (retinopathy of prematurity).  She has passed three tests so far!


The most difficult part of this journey for Mikaela’s mom, aside from the health problems that Mikaela has been challenged with, is only getting to see her other daughters on weekends. While it was necessary for her to be with Mikaela, she longed for her other children.


Mikaela has doubled her birth weight, an amazing thing for everyone around her to see. She has also learned how to nurse and come off of CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure). Mikaela continues to progress so much, making every day amazing and spectacular. Mikaela started fighting long before she was even born to live. “The road is long but worth every second. Thinking about the past few months brings tears of joy!” 


Story by Angela Stephen-Dewhurst