Former 24-Week Preemie Celebrates 8th Birthday with Ascension Saint Agnes Care Team

Eight years after arriving in the world more than four months early and weighing just 1 pound, 8 ounces, Alexander-Glen Reynoso returned to Ascension Saint Agnes Hospital on June 11 to mark his eighth birthday.

The visit was a joyful reunion centered on celebration, bringing together his family, members of his care team and hospital leadership.

During the celebration, Alexander-Glen was also presented with a NICU Warrior Award, honoring his strength and resilience as a former premature infant.

Among those attending was Olawunmi Kilo, MD, Obstetrics/Gynecology, who delivered Alexander-Glen during an emergency C-section on June 25, 2018 at Ascension Saint Agnes Hospital.

"This was a success story to celebrate," said Dr. Kilo, OB-GYN. "I wanted it to bring hope to families currently experiencing preterm delivery, showing them the journey can lead to beautiful and positive outcomes."

The gathering included birthday cake, remarks from family and hospital leaders, and a warm reunion with the clinicians who cared for him during his earliest days.

Born at just 24 weeks and 6 days gestation, Alexander-Glen spent more than three months in Ascension Saint Agnes' Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit receiving specialized care for extreme prematurity. The unit is staffed by board-certified neonatalogists, neonatal nurses, pediatric surgeons and pediatric respiratory therapists.

"Even though the NICU journey can be a scary one, it can also be a really happy one. It can also be a helpful one," said Lisa Reynoso, Alexander-Glen's mother. "I don't know where we would be without learning the steps that we've learned in the NICU. I don't know what kind of mom I would be without the NICU experience."

Today, Alexander-Glen enjoys chess, soccer, swimming, taekwondo and reading.

"Alexander is our miracle," said Lisa Reynoso. "If we didn't tell people his story, most would never guess where he started. We are forever grateful to the Ascension Saint Agnes team who care for him, and for us, like family."

For the Reynoso family, the reunion was a meaningful opportunity to connect with the hospital team and celebrate how far Alexander-Glen has come.

"This reunion fills me with gratitude and reminds me how honored I am to serve as a physician, providing compassionate, high-quality care to every patient entrusted to me," said Dr. Kilo, OB-GYN. "My hope for Alexander-Glen's future is that he continues to grow with confidence, curiosity, and courage, always knowing that he overcame extraordinary odds."

His story reflects the partnerships between families and caregivers that help Ascension Saint Agnes' smallest patients reach extraordinary milestones.

Learn more about intensive care for newborns and personalized pregnancy care at Ascension Saint Agnes.