After 257 days in NICU, baby born at 22 weeks goes home from Brandon Hospital

Brandon Hospital proudly celebrated a milestone today as John Delancey III, born at just 22 weeks on June 6, 2025 and weighing only 1 pound and 0.2 ounces, was discharged from the neonatal intensive care unit  (NICU) after 257 days of dedicated care.

John, affectionately known to staff and family as Johnboy, JJ, Johnny, Lil John and Big John, has been embraced by the entire NICU team throughout his journey. Surrounded by the skilled and compassionate nurses, physicians and therapists who helped him grow from a micropremie to a thriving 17 pound 3.5 ounce baby, John’s perseverance has been a source of inspiration across the hospital.

“It takes extraordinary teamwork to care for a baby born this early, and John reminded us every day why this work matters,” said Dr. Kiran Dwarakanath, NICU medical director. “Micropremies face incredible challenges from the moment they arrive, yet John showed us time and again what a fighter he is. Our team poured their hearts into helping him grow stronger and it has been a privilege to watch him reach this milestone.”

The Brandon Hospital NICU team celebrated John’s graduation day with cheers, smiles and heartfelt goodbyes with a graduation walk, reflecting on the months spent supporting his growth and cheering on every achievement.

“We are so proud of John and the strength he has shown,” members of the care team shared in a joint statement. “He has already made a lasting mark on all of us.”