Leah Montayes Macias came into the world tiny but mighty. Her mother delivered her at 24 weeks gestation in May 2024, weighing just 1 lb. She had multiple complications from being born so early, but her parents and the medical team at Blytheville Children’s Hospital in Valhalla, New York, didn’t give up.
On November 20, Leah left the hospital for the first time in 18 months. She will be home with her family just in time for Thanksgiving. “It feels amazing,” Stephanie Macias told ABC News ahead of Leah’s discharge. “She has shown us how resilient she is, and this is the day we’ve just been waiting for, to bring her home.” Leah Montayes Macias Had Many Birth Complications Leah Montayes Macias’ premature birth and tiny size meant her body did not develop completely.
The infant suffered a brain bleed, pulmonary hypertension, and, chronic lung disease, among other ailments. “She was pretty sick when she got to us. She was breathing very fast and really needed a lot of respiratory support,” Dr. Susan LaTuga, an attending physician at Blythedale Children’s Hospital, told ABC News.
Leah and her family arrived at Blythedale in November 2024. Leah’s thrived since her arrival and grown tremendously. “When she came here, she was all tensed up, wouldn’t move. And now, she’s dancing,” Her mom said.
“It’s just amazing to see … she pushed through everything and she showed us what strength really is.” Leah Montayes Macias’ dad, Andy Montayes, said he wants his daughter to know just how strong she is. “She needs to know that she could do whatever she wants in life,” he said. “This is going to be her biggest struggle ever. The rest is a piece of cake for her.” Leah now weighs 24 pounds and still needs oxygen at home, but she’s made so much progress.
“Comparing her to where she started off with, she looks really good right now,” Dr. LaTuga said. She added, “I want folks to remember that there’s hope that children who are born early thrive and do well [and] become productive members of society.” This story’s featured image can be found here.
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