03/23/2026
👋 Meet Cooper!
Born at 24 weeks and one day gestation, Cooper entered the world weighing just 1 pound, 13 ounces. Shortly after birth, he was transferred to Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s, where his family began a long and emotional NICU journey.
“We were told he had a pretty typical NICU course for a micropreemie,” Cooper’s mom shares. “But honestly, most days it felt like anything but typical.”
Cooper spent 115 days in the NICU. During that time, his days were filled with blood draws, IVs, blood transfusions, X-rays, ultrasounds and feeding tubes, along with constant breathing support. Finally, on May 29, 2021, Cooper got to go home!
But life after the NICU came with its own challenges. Cooper had frequent visits with specialists across Nationwide Children’s, including the Early Development Clinic, BPD Clinic, Nephrology and Ophthalmology.
Now, Cooper is five years old and thriving. He has caught up with his peers in both size and development, is getting ready for kindergarten in the fall and loves playing with dinosaurs and cars.
Along the way, Cooper’s family learned an important lesson from their NICU psychologist: “Two steps forward and one step back is still one step forward.”
And today, Cooper’s journey is proof that every step matters. 💜 💚
