09/07/2025
The tiniest Florida A&M University Rattlers are born right here at TMH 🏥
Meet our July Tiny Rattler: Zuri 🐍💚🧡
Keisha originally had a cesarean section scheduled for July 15, but at a routine appointment with William Dobak, DO, at TMH Physician Partners – Maternal Fetal Medicine, little Zuri was measuring ahead of schedule. Keisha’s pregnancy was considered high-risk because of her age and diabetes. Since Zuri was measuring ahead, Dr. Dobak recommended that David Dixon, DO, with North Florida Women's Care move up the delivery date. On July 4, Zuri was born — weighing 7 pounds and 9 ounces!
After spending her first day with her parents, Keisha and LaClarence, in the Family Care Unit, Zuri’s care team noticed her blood sugar and oxygen levels continued to be lower than normal. To ensure she received close, specialized care, Zuri was transferred just down the hall to the region’s only Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Having immediate access to this level of support made all the difference for her continued health and progress.
Zuri was closely monitored, graduated to the Level II NICU, and spent three days there. With her condition improving steadily, she graduated from the NICU last night and is now home with her parents and big sister!
Keisha, a Tallahassee native, and LaClarence, a Monticello native, were both born right here at TMH. The couple shared they couldn’t have asked for a better team of “phenomenal” nurses supporting them throughout Keisha’s delivery and Zuri’s NICU stay.
LaClarence is a proud graduate of FAMU’s School of Business, where he laid the foundation for a successful career in finance. He currently works at the Florida Department of Management Services, after previously serving as CFO for the Gadsden County School District. He hopes both his daughters will one day follow in his footsteps and attend FAMU!
We’re partnering with FAMU Athletics to highlight the newest and smallest Rattlers 🐍 being cared for in our NICU.
Go Zuri and go Rattlers! 🧡💚