NICU Baby Hunter Miller Finally Goes Home After 403 Days in the Hospital

Hunter Miller spent his first 13 and a half months in our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) - his entire life. On October 9th, after 403 days in the hospital, Hunter went home. It was his first trip home and only the second time he had been outside the walls of Nationwide Children's Hospital's NICU since his birth on September 4th, 2011. We were lucky enough to document the preparation, smiles and bittersweet goodbyes that went into wishing the Miller family farewell.
Hunter went through a lot of ups and downs during his time in the NICU, among them a battle with Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD). This is a life-threatening condition that affects the lungs of premature newborns. Hunter was also on a ventilator for 6 months and on a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine for 5 and a half months.
The Millers were feeling a range of emotions the day they brought Hunter home, but they were encouraged by the fact that they still have the full support of the Neonatology team here at Nationwide Children's. Everything from a personalized care manual just for Hunter, home nursing care and round-the-clock phone support.
Hunter will continue to visit Nationwide Children's for frequent out-patient visits, but he'll be home with his family this upcoming holiday season. Unfortunately, Hunter's room is now occupied by another family hoping for their miracle and their first holiday at home.
This week we launch our "Every Gift Matters" Campaign - you can learn more about helping to get these kids home for the holidays at: giving.nationwidechildrens.or...
To learn more about Hunter Miller's journey, check out his Facebook page at:
/ 296589563723538
Check out a slideshow of Hunter here:
• Heroism Runs in the Fa...
To learn more about our NICU, visit:
www.nationwidechildrens.org/ni...

[@enzati]

As a nurse at children's, I love seeing these videos! They help me remember that despite everything, we really can make a difference- it's wonderful seeing the kids able to go home and spend time with their families. Please make more!

[@erickstaehnke]

Well, wow! At least I didn’t have to go through that much. I spent 95 days in the hospital, three months on ventilation. I was born in the early 2000s. No I’m 20, and glad I’m here.

[@debsalertloverc4263]

Happy Birthday Hunter

[@majormana1]

wow