A Yeading family are celebrating the miraculous life of their premature daughter who doctors said would not survive, never mind feed or breathe on her own.
Isabella Wilson-Stefanovic spent 112 days in hospital when she was born after 25 weeks of pregnancy in July 2016.
She was incubated immediately and made good progress, according to mum Leanne, but the tides quickly turned when Isabella caught an infection, followed by a grade four brain bleed, and a build up of fluid on the brain.
Mum-of-four Mrs Wilson-Stefanovic, 28, told getwestlondon : “We didn't think she was going to survive.
"We were told she wasn't going to survive. There was no hope.
“It's been horrific. I can't even put it into words. It's be hard on the whole family.
“It's life-changing.”
Isabella weighed just 722 grams when she was born and was transferred to Hillingdon Hospital Neonatal Unit shortly after.
After catching the infection, and then suffering the brain bleed and hydrocephalus, Isabella was treated with a shunt, which is a thin tube surgically implanted in the brain to drain away excess fluid.
Isabella was able to go home in October last year and could breathe on her own after doctors said this would not happen.
Mrs Wilison-Stefanovic, who worked as a carer but is now a full-time mum, praised the staff at the neonatal unit for the care they gave.
She said: “They were just so good.
“The care they have us and many other families was just amazing.
“They treated us like human beings. They didn't treat us like patients.”
“If it wasn't for them, she wouldn't be here now.”
Mrs Wilson-Stefanovic and husband Paul, 30, were told that Isabella would not be able to breathe or feed independently, but now at nine months old she is able to do both.
Isabella's future is uncertain according to her mum, but she is still making good progress.
Mrs Wilson-Stefanovic said: “Let's face it, she's a miracle.
“If we can get through what she's been through, in my eyes, anything is possible.
“That's what Isabella has shown us, anything can happen and miracles can happen.”
Mr and Mrs Wilson-Stefanovic are holding a fundraising family fun day to say thank you to the team at Hillingdon Hospital.
The event will be held on June 17 at Barnhill Community Centre in Hayes and will include a raffle, tombola, a DJ.
Money raised will be going to Cherubs – the charity that raises cash for the neonatal unit at Hillingdon Hospital.
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