Baby born at 22 weeks graduates from HCA Florida Brandon Hospital NICU after 244 days

HCA Florida Brandon Hospital celebrates a remarkable milestone as baby Tamiyah, born at just 22 weeks gestation and weighing only 1 pound, 5 ounces, graduates from the hospital's Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) after 244 days of specialized care.

When Tamiyah entered the world on January 17, 2025, she was considered a "micropreemie" - among the tiniest and most fragile babies cared for in neonatal medicine. Thanks to the extraordinary dedication and expertise of the hospital's physicians, advanced practice providers and NICU nurses, Tamiyah has grown into a thriving, vivacious little girl who now weighs nearly 18 pounds. This week, she went home surrounded by her loving family, including her two proud big brothers.

"This journey represents the very best of what modern medicine and compassionate care can achieve," said Dr. Kiran Dwarakanath, neonatologist at HCA Florida Brandon Hospital. "It takes an entire team - physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists and so many others - working together every day to give fragile babies like Tamiyah the chance to survive and thrive. I'm so proud to be part of a team that combines advanced science with such genuine compassion. Watching Tamiyah go home with her family is a reminder of the incredible capabilities within our Level III NICU and the bright futures we help make possible."

The NICU team at HCA Florida Brandon Hospital forms deep bonds with families like Tamiyah's during their long stays. For the nurses and providers, saying goodbye brings both tears and celebration. It's a celebration that won't soon be forgotten either with pictures, videos and memories that will last a lifetime. Tamiyah's graduation is a joyful reminder of the hospital's commitment to providing highly specialized care for premature and critically ill newborns.

As the hospital celebrated Tamiyah's milestone, it also honored its NICU nurses during Neonatal Nurses Week, September 13 to September 19. Their tireless dedication and compassionate care play a life-changing role in every baby's journey from fragile beginnings to thriving futures.

"Tamiyah's story is one of strength, hope and the power of modern medicine," said Tripp Owings, CEO at Brandon Hospital. "We are grateful to our NICU team for making moments like this possible for families in our community."