LIKE many young boys, Nicholas Favorito loves playing with toy cars.
But the smile on this two-year-old’s face hides the painful start he had in life.
Silvana and Anthony tried for eight years to become pregnant, before they had baby Nicholas.
He was born at just 24 weeks old after an emergency C-section operation at the Royal Women’s Hospital.
Along with the “standard complications” Nicholas faced as a premature baby, he developed whooping cough, severe fluid retention and suffered two brain injuries after being born.
“When he was five days old, he developed a severe bleed in his brain and had a stroke, we didn’t expect he would make it through and we knew it would result in long-term difficulties,” Silvana said.
Her son spent nine months in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and, as a result of being premature and suffering brain injuries, has cerebral palsy.
“He is feeding-tube dependent and has a tube in his belly, but in the last few months he has started developing oral eating skills,” she said.
“In terms of speech, he has a severe oral motor disorder related to his cerebral palsy, so his main way of communication is via sign language.”
Nicholas has to wear ankle-foot orthotics most of the time, but can stroll along with the aid of a walker.
“He’s on track cognitively despite his injuries, he’s so bright and alert,” his doting mother said.
“We feel blessed despite the challenges and difficulties we’ve had. Nicholas is the happiest boy. He hardly ever cries and he is so full of life and determination.
“He’s the miracle we thought we would never have.”
Mother and son attend meetings of the not-for-profit Miracle Babies Foundation in Altona every fortnight.
“The main thing Miracle Babies Foundation has provided is a safe haven where we can go and socialise and they also offer support online and on the phone when you need it,” she said.
The Miracle Babies Foundation has launched a new campaign called Hands Up For Miracles asking for people to donate $5 per month.
For more information visit www.miraclebabies.org.au or contact 1300 773 664.
