Benjamin's Miracle Beginning

At just 17 weeks and 4 days into her pregnancy, Brooke Peterson faced a frightening reality. Her water broke unexpectedly, and she was hospitalized in the Perinatal Specialty Unit. She spent four days on IV antibiotics before being sent home on bed rest, with weekly Maternal-Fetal Medicine appointments, until she was 21 weeks and 5 days. At that point, Brooke was readmitted to stay in the hospital until the birth of her son, Benjamin, at 34 weeks.

Benjamin’s early life was filled with challenges. At birth, doctors initially worried he would not survive the night. He arrived with respiratory issues and blood sugar complications, spending 16 days in the NICU. Against the odds, Benjamin not only survived, but he thrived. In an extraordinary miracle, his amniotic sac had resealed, something Dr. Duke described as extremely rare. Brooke’s story is a testament to hope and resilience in the face of overwhelming odds.

During her extended stay, Brooke found not only exceptional medical care but also a profound sense of community. Lifelong friendships were formed with fellow patients and supportive staff, a reminder that the PSU is more than a medical unit. It is a place of hope, encouragement, and shared strength, where mothers and their babies are cared for with unwavering dedication.

Today, at 9 and a half months old, Benjamin is a thriving, energetic baby. He is crawling, pulling up, standing with support, babbling, and even showing off five teeth. He weighs 17 pounds and wears 3 to 6 month clothing, a living testament to resilience and the skilled, compassionate care of the PSU team.

Brooke reflects on her experience with immense gratitude. She remembers the calm and positivity of every nurse, doctor, and staff member, whose dedication transformed fear and uncertainty into hope and joy. The Foundation is proud to support this extraordinary care, helping babies like Benjamin thrive while also taking care of the women who carry them and the PSU team who provides unwavering support.

With the generosity of donors, the Foundation ensures that families like Brooke’s receive more than medical care. They receive comfort, community, and hope, giving every tiny patient the best possible start in life while empowering mothers and the teams who care for them.