Lttle fighter Benjamin celebrates 1st birthday

Dec 28 2009 by Vicky Robson, The Journal

Benjamin endured major life saving surgery, including five blood transfusions and two operations to correct a perforated bowel. Doctors had warned Melissa that her son could lose his sight and go blind following his premature birth.

The little lad spent the first three months of his life connected to oxygen tubes, to allow his lungs to grow fully.

But Benjamin, who is one today, defied the odds and overcame severe complications and now weighs almost 18lbs.

Melissa added: “He has a weak immune system and suffers from chronic lung disease, so he is much more susceptible to catching colds and bugs. But he is doing really well.

“It was horrendous when Benjamin was born because he was in hospital for so long. You just switch into a certain mode to try and get through it.

“When he was born, the doctors said he could go blind and he had to have laser eye surgery.

“But now they are saying his sight will be fine so I am over the moon. I spent every single solitary minute by his side waiting to take him home and for him to be better.

“Now he is the right size for an eight-month-old, which is how old he would be if had have been born in the April when he was due.

“He isn’t walking yet, but he is sitting up all by himself now and its amazing to see. It’s great.

“I just can’t believe it’s been a year already and he is turning one. I am very proud of him. He is a little fighter.”