Born 4 Months Early, This Tiny Survivor Beats the Odds | Short Film Showcase

She was born at 23 weeks and six days, a period dubbed by the doctors as "the gray zone." Kelley Benham and her husband, Tom French, had relied on technology through fertility treatments to have her. They named her Juniper and she weighed but one pound and four ounces. Born so prematurely, Juniper was given very low chances of survival and, it would be with a myriad of disabilities if she did make it: blindness, intestinal problems, cerebral palsy, and possibly much more. Produced by David Terry Fine and previously told by Radiolab, this short documentary is the story of a strong spirit in a tiny body and impossible decisions influenced by technological capabilities.

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[mhj]

My sister was born 4 months early as well. She's now a med student at a prestigious university. I, on the other hand, was born a healthy baby and am barely passing my classes.

[Nasirnizam]

My son is born today due to prematurity, kindly pray for him, he is very weak and need prayers

[gillianbrookwell]

I was born weighing 3 lbs and was told I would die,   or have multiple disabilities.  I wasa very sick baby and child, but I'm 68 years old and doing great.

[Vonne]

I was born at 24 weeks weighing 1 pound 12 ounces in 1982. The doctors told my parents I wasn't going to survive. God had other plans. 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽38 years later and I'm healthy with no disabilities all praises to God! Bless this babies heart ❤️🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[AB-vvfl]

I lost a little girl born as early as this one. That was 46 years ago. Medical science has come a very long way.

[BabaShrimp]

the doctors should get a promotion for what they did for that girl

[dominique]

Wow I relate to this very closely. I was born 3 and a half months early, at 1 pound 8 ounces. I'm so grateful that children like us can beat the odds, even when times get tough.

[Nathiusca]

I was born at 6 months! the other babies like me in the room died :( it amazes me that I'm here, alive and well with 19 years old

[alymode]

I had a 25 weeker in 2002, weighing just 1lb 2oz. She turned 20 this year and I couldn't be prouder of my little fighter. Hugs and hope to all preemie parents out there x

[ForQuranOnly]

365 heartless people, how can you possibly dislike this tiny worrier! Congratulations she's amazing ❤️❤️

[dianaalatorre]

My son is a preemie as well.. he was born at 25 weeks and the is now 2 and a half..he is so darn smart and active thank God no major issues..today he is getting signed up for preschool I'm so excited, 😄

[iiNeedSkins]

My sister was born at 5 and a half months, she weighed 610 grams. She was born with cerebral palsy, half a colon, lung disorders and needed a clip in her heart for it to work correctly but no metal disability and can now walk with a walker. She's now 18 and the most positive person I know :)

[savannahshenouda]

When she smiled that just made the highlight of this video and my day

[maggiedevery]

I was born at 24 weeks, back in 1966! Was 3lbs 2 oz. Keep it up beautiful baby girl! Thank you for sharing your wonderful beginning of your life, my dear. God bless this beautiful family

[chevon]

Omg, she's so delicate I would be scared to touch her.

[sumis]

That smile at 2:39 is EVERYTHING.... it just made my day😃
So glad I clicked on this video!

[bowserjr]

I was born 3 months early due to my birth mother doing meth while she was pregnant with me. My dad (grandpa) told me my birth mom started having a seizure so he called 911 and later a doctor told him they'd have to take me out so they could save her. My dad (once again you know who) said I was determined to live. I almost died twice, once due to pneumonia and the other I can't remember. I weighed 1 pound 7 ounces and the doctor said when I was released I would always have lung problems and stuff like that he also said I'd be able to run the LA marathon but I'd never be able to finish it (it was going on back when I was born) but when I went to a different doctor a while later he said my lungs were completely normal. My parents (grandparents ofc) said I just didn't want to die. Sorry for long comment I just decided I'd share this. I also don't have any health problems related to being born that early and my birth mother using meth while she was pregnant with me and possibly other drugs somehow.

[aniralucena]

Like her I was born with 24 weeks, i'm so lucky to be here today, at that time the doctors done so much for me i'm so grateful. 💞I'm 14 and I'm a healthy woman💪💖

[freebe]

Tearing up. I was born 3 months early 40 years ago without a suckling reflex and collapsed lungs. I was referred to as a teamwork baby, everyone rallied in, including the other mothers in my mom's ward, they contributed breast milk rations which I was then fed through an ear drops bottle. I'm now a chef and nutritionist, my birth story has made me have unshakeable faith in the kindness of strangers 🙏🌈💜

[promisehubbert]

When this baby smiled at 3 months, my heart broke and was filled with joy all at the same time ... a miracle is an understatement; this story is so beautiful. Thanks 4 sharing.