A remarkable baby in the UK, who was born four months prematurely and weighed as much as a loaf of bread, has defied all odds to mark his first birthday.
Arley-James Hughes was incredibly tiny when he was born, necessitating the use of a “sandwich bag” to recreate the feeling of being inside his mother’s womb.
Born weighing only 1 pound, he fought a rare heart condition for 153 days while staying in the hospital.
Naomi Walker and her partner, Chris Hughes, 34, were given such grave news by doctors that they were urged to start making preparations for a funeral.
“Arley has managed to overcome every obstacle that has come his way; he truly is a remarkable miracle,” Walker expressed in an interview with SWNS.
The adorable little one is still relying on oxygen support, but each passing day brings them closer to recovery, all thanks to a groundbreaking experimental medication.
A couple, with the bride being pregnant, tied the knot in a hospital room amidst the bride’s contractions.
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Arley-James turned one year old on Tuesday and celebrated his special day in Morecambe, England.
Walker, a cleaner who will be turning 36 this week, expressed gratitude for the blessings in his life. He acknowledged that although his loved one still requires assistance with breathing, he remains in awe of their remarkable resilience.
Walker experienced a relatively uneventful pregnancy until she was hospitalized a year ago due to a urine condition and a chest infection.
Arley-James made his entrance into the world four months earlier than expected when he was transferred to another hospital.
Arley, which means “promise” in Hebrew, was given a little cuddle by Walker before he was taken to the intensive care unit where he would spend over five months.
Arley-James experienced infections and required blood transfusions. Additionally, he needed the assistance of a ventilator. Despite showing signs of improvement, he was later diagnosed with fungal endocarditis, a life-threatening heart condition, at the tender age of 4 weeks.
“When the doctors entered the room, they somberly informed Walker that there was nothing more they could do for his son. The devastating news hit him like a ton of bricks. Overwhelmed with grief, he fled from the neonatal unit, feeling as though his world had come crashing down.”
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The mortality rates for this debilitating disease, which causes inflammation of the innermost lining of the heart, can vary greatly, ranging from 10% to 75%.
Arley-James experienced a significant improvement in his condition following the administration of an experimental drug.
Walker firmly believes that her presence and constant support by Arley-James’ side during his hospital stay played a crucial role in his recovery. She believes that the sound of her voice and her comforting touch provided him with the strength and determination to persevere through the toughest of times.
On July 23, 2023, she brought him back to his home. Despite his ongoing battle with a chronic lung disease, he was fortunate enough to celebrate his birthday on Tuesday by indulging in cupcakes with his loved ones.
“He is simply the most affectionate and joyful baby you could ever meet,” Walker exclaimed. “Considering his weight was only 500 grams, it’s incredible to see the resilience and positivity he has shown. Words cannot express how proud and astonished I feel.”
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