When Olivia D. was just 29 weeks pregnant, an unexpected medical crisis turned her family's world upside down. Experiencing severe shortness of breath from a life-threatening condition related to preeclampsia, her lungs quickly filled with fluid. After emergency stabilization at Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast’s OB Emergency Department, she was transferred to Studer Family Children’s Hospital in Pensacola, where baby Harrison was delivered via emergency C-section at 29 weeks and 3 days, weighing just 2 pounds, 5 ounces.
After three weeks of intensive neonatology support in Pensacola, Harrison was ready for Level 2 care. The family transferred him to the NICU at Sacred Heart Emerald Coast, the only NICU in Okaloosa and Walton counties, keeping quality care close to home. "Having specialized care right here made an overwhelming situation so much more manageable for our family,” Olivia said.
During those 75 days, the care team became like extended family. Because Harrison spent his first Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas in the hospital, nurses and staff worked to bring warmth and joy to the unit — decorating a small Christmas tree, creating personalized footprint ornaments, and making the holidays special for the family.
"The nurses and clinicians were incredible; they didn't just care for Harrison, they cared for our whole family," Olivia said. Today, Harrison is thriving at home, reaching key milestones like sitting up, crawling, saying "dada," and sharing smiles with the care team during their recent reunion.
Philip Tatum, MD, neonatologist at Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast, emphasized how critical local support is for families navigating a NICU stay. Dr. Tatum said their priority is providing quality care for these infants and helping families feel supported and included every step of the way. "Every single day in the NICU is about focusing on today and tomorrow, celebrating each small milestone toward going home," Dr. Tatum said.
Each September during National NICU Awareness Month, stories like Harrison's highlight the vital role of specialized newborn care. Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast is proud to support area families with 24/7 in-house neonatology care, respiratory support, specialized nutrition, and physical, occupational, and speech therapies when clinically appropriate.
Watch this story from WJHG to learn more: https://www.wjhg.com/2026/09/10/family-reunites-with-nicu-team-that-helped-son-survive-75-days-intensive-care/
