Mariyah's Story

Images Captured By Aspectus Photography

www.aspectusphoto.com

Tiny Light Mariyah has been defying the odds from even before she was born. Now, nothing can slow down this curious one-year-old who tries so hard at everything and smiles through all of it.

When mom Shama started having contractions at 23 weeks gestation, doctors said the baby’s chance of surviving the delivery was only 2%. Mariyah weighed just 507 grams at birth, and was immediately rushed off to the NICU. She survived but faced several life-threatening battles over the first six months of her life. This preemie suffered a brain bleed, bleeding in her cerebellum, she had heart surgery to close a duct (PDA), stomach surgery to remove adhesions from necrotizing enterocolitis, numerous bouts of infection, chronic lung disease, and one scare of meningitis. Through it all, Mariyah remained a feisty little baby, always kicking, grabbing and pulling at her wires and tubes.

Though parents Shama and Irshaad were told their baby girl would likely be

severely disabled because of the brain bleed, Mariyah continues to develop right on track for her adjusted age. The left side of her body is weaker, but that doesn’t stop this princess from getting what she wants. She is pulling to stand and walks with help. By her next birthday, she should be like any other two-year-old.

This Tiny Light never gives up. Even in the darkest days when everyone thought

she would not make it, she kept fighting. “In one year, Mariyah has been through

more than my husband and I have been through in our entire lifetime. She has given everyone who knows her a reason to believe, and provides us with a daily reminder of how fortunate we are in life.”

Written by Elaine Yong

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 

Anson's Story

Images captured by Bobbi Carpino Photography

We would like to introduce you to Anson.  He is nothing short of a miracle.


At just eight weeks gestation it was believed that his mom was having a miscarriage but this determined little guy held on. Anson and his mom were admitted to the hospital at 23 weeks gestation with the news that the next 48 hours were crucial. Again, Anson held on. Just before 27 weeks gestation, Anson was born. He only weighed 971 grams and dropped down to 835 grams in the first month.


No one ever imagines that their pregnancy is going to end in preterm delivery, Anson’s mommy never got to experience the third trimester and his daddy never got to feel him move. But they were both very grateful that he was born alive and that he was so determined to live. Anson was so small but also so determined to do what he wanted. And he wanted to live.


Anson was nicknamed Mr. Wiggles while the family was in Vancouver as he would constantly wiggle his way almost out of the nest in his incubator. As of right now he is doing well at his corrected age of four months. Only time will tell if he has any lasting health issues to deal with but at the moment it just seemed like little Anson just needed more time.


His mommy’s advice to everyone in a similar situation: “Take each day as it comes and allow yourself to do things for you. Don’t consume yourself with the hospital as your baby needs you to take care of yourself.”