NEED TO KNOW
Michelle Brown’s son Phillip was born at 23 weeks, weighing just 1 lb., 6.2 oz
After 196 days in the NICU, Phillip has returned home as one of the hospital’s first micropreemies to leave without needing additional oxygen support
On his last day, the hospital celebrated his milestone with a graduation ceremony
A Florida mom is finally welcoming home her baby boy after an extended stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
On October 16, 2025, Michelle Brown welcomed her son Phillip into the world at just 23 weeks of gestation. The newborn, who was born at HCA Florida Brandon Hospital, weighed only 1 lb., 6.2 oz at the time of his birth. Now, after spending 196-days in the hospital’s level III NICU receiving around-the-clock care, baby Phillip is returning home with his family, weighing 13 lbs 12 oz, marking a significant milestone in his journey.
“Today, I’m feeling really emotional. Six months ago, I prayed for this day every day, and it’s finally here,” Michelle told the hospital in a statement shared with PEOPLE. “I’m excited he’s coming home, but I’m very teary-eyed because of everything we have been through, from him being born at six months to having to have two procedures and how he’s been progressing.”
“I honestly can’t thank the NICU team enough,” she continued. “Not only did they save my son, but they also treated me with love and care and made sure I knew my son was stronger than I could ever imagine. They all love him so very much.”
Baby Phillip
Credit: HCA Florida Brandon Hospital
During his six months in the NICU, baby Phillip needed advanced respiratory support, nutritional management and more.
As one of the hospital’s most fragile patients, the care team focused on caring for him and giving him all the help he needed to develop. Due to the remarkable work from the nurses and doctors, Baby Phillip is making history as one of the first micropreemies, born extremely premature, to go home without any need for additional oxygen support in the hospital.
“Phillip’s journey is a powerful example of what is possible with advanced neonatal care, early intervention and an unwavering team approach,” said Dr. Kiran Dwarakanath, the NICU medical director at HCA Florida Brandon Hospital.
Dwarakanath went on to praise the newborn’s strength throughout his difficult journey.
“Babies born this early face significant challenges, but Phillip showed incredible strength every step of the way,” Dwarakanath shared. “We are honored to have been part of his care and to support families like Michelle’s through such critical moments.”
Baby Phillip’s NICU graduation
Credit: HCA Florida Brandon Hospital
To celebrate his significant milestone, the hospital organized a graduation ceremony for him. The NICU graduation ceremony marks a major milestone for families, symbolizing the conclusion of their difficult journey.
For families, the graduation signifies a major transition in their lives. It symbolizes medical progress and all of the hope, perseverance and partnership along the way.
Baby Phillip’s NICU graduation
Credit: HCA Florida Brandon Hospital
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
During the graduation, Phillip wore a blue cap and gown as hospital staff lined the halls and cheered him on during his final lap around the NICU.
“His journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, filled with strength, resilience and so much love,” the hospital shared on their Facebook page. “Phillip’s story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible with expert care, determination, and hope. Big Phil is not Tiny Phil anymore.”
Read the original article on People