Kansas City, KS – Born nine weeks premature, weighing just three pounds and facing a complex heart condition, Archie Cook had a difficult start to life. After spending three months in the NICU at The University of Kansas Health System, Archie underwent heart surgery that changed his future. Now a healthy, growing toddler, Archie returns with his mom to reunite with two of the nurses who cared for him during those critical first months.
Allie Cook, Archie's Mother
- Allie learned before Archie was born that several parts of his heart had not developed properly and he would eventually need surgery.
- She discusses Archie's progress, his life today and the lasting friendships she developed with his NICU nurses.
- She shares Arcie will turn 4 on November 30th.
- She reflects on her son's remarkable journey and why she calls him her "little miracle baby."
Mallory Bertucci, RN, Neonatal ICU Nurse, The University of Kansas Health System
- She explains the specialized precautions required when caring for extremely premature babies with complex heart conditions.
- She discusses how Archie experienced dangerous oxygen drops, sometimes turning blue. Nurses had to intervene quickly, and Mallory learned positioning techniques that helped him.
- She shares how advances in NICU technology help medical teams care for fragile newborns.
- She reflects on caring for Archie during his first months of life and the emotional experience of watching him go home.
Carly Mott, RN, Neonatal ICU Nurse, The University of Kansas Health System
- She recalls caring for Archie when he first arrived in the NICU and the specialized equipment needed to support him.
- She explains the milestones Archie needed to reach before he was strong enough to undergo heart surgery.
- She discusses the important role NICU nurses play in supporting and educating parents during a frightening and uncertain time.
- She shares what it means to see Archie healthy and growing after witnessing his earliest struggles.
- She explains how NICU teams help families prepare to care for their babies at home after discharge.
