Saint Francis Hospital NICU Discharges 'Miracle' Baby

HARTFORD, Conn. -- On Thursday, June 29, colleagues from throughout Saint Francis Hospital gathered to cheer as baby Zahraliz Francis Angueira “graduated” from the hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and headed home. Her mother, Neyshaliz Angueira, gave birth during her 22^nd week of pregnancy, and Zahraliz became the smallest baby ever to be born at Saint Francis, weighing just 12.4 ounces.

Angueira was admitted to Saint Francis Hospital on February 18 with symptoms of preterm labor, and she was counseled on ways to prolong her pregnancy, as well as the risks involved, including the potential loss of the infant. Two days into her stay on the Labor and Delivery unit at Saint Francis, Angueira became ill with a respiratory virus and was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit for further medical management.

Just four days later and weighing less than a pound, baby Zahraliz made her entrance into the world at 1:03 a.m. on February 22. As a “micro-preemie,” Zahraliz was at a much higher risk for major complications and the infant faced many challenges during her stay in the NICU. However, under the care of Saint Francis’ Level III NICU team, led by Jose Arias-Camison, M.D., NICU Director, Zahraliz overcame the odds. She grew to 7 pounds, 5 ounces and was ready to go home after her 128-day stay – three days after her original due date.

Over the past four months, Zahraliz has become the hospital’s “miracle” baby as colleagues have rallied to support her and her mom. On Thursday, in an emotional celebration, Saint Francis colleagues, including many of the doctors, nurses, and other staff who helped care for Zahraliz, gathered in the hospital Rotunda to provide well wishes to the family as they embarked on their journey home.

Angueira is eager to tell Zahraliz’s story to offer hope to other NICU families facing the unknown. “I just want to share with everyone how caring the people I met at Saint Francis were,” said Angueira. “I am so grateful for the kindness and support that was given to us.”