Three-month-old John-Luke Visnovec has been in Tampa General Hospital’s NICU more than 100 days.
John-Luke Visnovec was born at 23 weeks.
The micro-preemie was born at 23-weeks, weighing one pound, thirteen ounces. Mother, Nicole Ferrante said at one point, she was told to prepare for the worst.
"The Dr. was like, you guys need to prepare yourselves that he may not live,” said Ferrante. “That’s the most terrifying thing a mother should hear."
John-Luke was born with underdeveloped lungs. He’s currently hooked up to oxygen and a feeding tube. He’s had problems with other organs, too. The baby already underwent heart and eye surgeries.
But after more than 100 days in the hospital, Ferrante said she’s thrilled her son is now six pounds and thriving.
"He’s got a slight amount of oxygen being pumped to him, he’s breastfeeding, he’s taking bottles,” said Ferrante. “He’s doing everything a baby who’s not even at his due date should be doing, so he’s doing really good."
Neonatologist, Dr. Jaime Flores-Torres is impressed with the preemie’s progress, calling him a miracle. The doctor said babies born that early could have developmental complications later in life, but that it’s too early to tell.
John-Luke’s parents are ready for whatever comes their way.
"Will he have to possibly be challenged in a different way? Will he possibly have to do things a different way? Yes, but he will have a normal life," said Ferrante.
Mother and father are ready to take their son home.
"He’s perfect, that kid is my hero, for sure,” said Ferrante. “He’s fought a lot of hard fights and he’s still fighting, so I expect it for a long time."
Follow John-Luke's story on his Facebook page.
More information on Prematurity Awareness Month.