Family’s Hope and the Expertise of NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens Lead to Miracle Baby’s Triumphant Discharge

Family's Hope and the Expertise of NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens Lead to Miracle Baby's Triumphant Discharge

Myracle was born at 22 weeks, weighing just 1 pound, 0.6 ounces

After five months in the NICU, Myracle was able to go home earlier this month, weighing a healthy 8 pounds, 3 ounces

A video about Myracle is available here

Oct 27, 2025

NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens today announced the ceremonial graduation and miraculous discharge of Myracle, a resilient infant born at 22 weeks and weighing just 1 pound, 0.6 ounces. Inspired by another baby's successful treatment at Queens Hospital after being born pre-term, Myracle's family chose Queens Hospital for her care, leading to a remarkable journey from fragility to flourishing health. After five months in the NICU, Myracle was able to go home from the hospital earlier this month weighing a healthy 8 pounds, 3 ounces. A video about Myracle is available here and the inspiring story of the 2021 birth can be read here.

During her graduation ceremony, Myracle received a commemorative certificate featuring her footprint. The family expressed their gratitude with a framed thank-you and special gifts for Dr. Alice Garner, Chief of Newborn Services, and Dr. Paul Gleason, who worked closely with the family to deliver Myracle, cementing the hospital's bond with Myracle and her family. Myracle's remarkable progress was achieved thanks to the seamless collaboration between the Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Obstetrics, Neonatology, and dedicated NICU teams who ensured her healthy development.

Dr. Alice Garner, who oversaw her care throughout her stay, played a crucial role in Myracle's journey. Dr. Alice Garner stated,"Myracle's story emphasizes the incredible power of family trust and comprehensive care at Queens Hospital. Every baby's chance at health begins with a commitment to exceptional, compassionate service."

"We're grateful to Dr. Garner, Dr. Gleason, the whole NICU team, and especially to Myracle's grandmother. She read about another baby's journey here, which led us to choose Queens Hospital. Everyone played a part in caring for our Myracle," said Balinda, Myracle's mother.

Queens Hospital stands as the first "Baby-Friendly" facility in the borough, a testament to the hospital's holistic approach with services including:

• Expert High-Risk Pregnancy Management
• Immediate Post-Birth Skin-to-Skin Contact to Encourage Bonding
• 24-Hour Rooming-In to Foster Maternal-Infant Attachment
• Breastfeeding Support, facilitated by the Queens Breastfeeding Alliance and NYC Breastfeeding Leadership Council

"Providing a nurturing environment where technological expertise meets empathetic support defines our care ethos," reflected Dr. Paul Gleason.

Neil Moore, Chief Executive Officer of NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens, remarked, "The successful journey of Myracle is a shining example of the extraordinary care our hospital provides. We are proud to deliver this level of expertise and compassion, ensuring every infant's healthy beginning."

Coinciding with Perinatal Nurses Week (October 10-16), Myracle's discharge spotlights the invaluable commitment of our perinatal nurses in achieving optimal health outcomes.

Chief Nursing Officer Dr. Abbi-Gail Baboolal emphasized, "Our NICU team's dedication and compassionate care are pivotal in transforming lives, securing healthy futures for our tiniest patients."

Sherley Gebara, Associate Executive Director of Nursing for Maternal Child Services, added,"The empathy and teamwork within our NICU enable extraordinary outcomes like Myracle's."

The hospital and Myracle's family will continue to stay in touch, with the hospital ready to provide ongoing support as needed.

Queens Hospital manages approximately 1,200 births annually, setting the standard for comprehensive maternal and neonatal care. Expecting parents are welcome to tour the hospital's birthing suites, meet its expert staff, and discover the extensive support and services available.

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Media Contact: Cleon Edwards, NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens, (646) 772-5725;

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About NYC Health + Hospitals/QueensA member of NYC Health and Hospitals, NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens is a major health care provider in the borough of Queens. Its foremost mission is to provide quality, comprehensive care to all members of the public regardless of their ability to pay. In 2025, Queens Hospital marked its 90th anniversary of serving the communities of central and southeastern Queens, having first opened its doors as Queens General Hospital in 1935. Encompassing 360,000 square feet, it comprises 253 licensed beds, spacious ambulatory care suites featuring both primary and specialty services, and cutting-edge equipment. It also houses four Centers of Excellence: Cancer Care, Diabetes Management, Women's Health, and Behavioral Health. The hospital has recently added a fully expanded Emergency Room, a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence accredited by the American College of Radiology, and a Total Hip and Knee Replacement Center, with plans underway to build the health system's first Dialysis Center to train patients to perform their own at-home dialysis. To learn more about NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens, visit https://www.nychealthandhospitals.org/queens.

About NYC Health + HospitalsNYC Health + Hospitals is the largest municipal health care system in the nation. We are a network of 11 hospitals, trauma centers, neighborhood health centers, nursing homes, and post-acute care centers. We are a home care agency and a health plan, MetroPlus. Our health system provides essential services to more than one million New Yorkers every year in more than 70 locations across the city's five boroughs. Our diverse workforce of more than 46,000 employees is uniquely focused on empowering New Yorkers, without exception, to live the healthiest life possible. For more information, visit https://www.nychealthandhospitals.org and stay connected on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.