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The Florida Times Union headline for December 1, 1993, was “It’s a Miracle! Jacksonville Celebrates the Unbelievable News.” As Jacksonville was astonished at getting an NFL team, Roy and Trish Wilson were praying for their miracle: Stuart, their son, had just been born at a gestational age of 24 weeks, 12” long, and one pound, 13 oz.  

For the next three and one-half months, the NICU would become the Wilson Family home as Stuart struggled to stay alive. Unable to hold the baby for the first month because of the fragility of his skin, Trish stayed at the NICU the whole time. Even though each day was a roller coaster of uncertainties, Roy and Trish knew the importance of their presence. Even the sound of their voices daily was important for Stuart’s development.  

Stuart fought back against brain bleeds, underdeveloped lungs, hernia surgery, and numerous other invasive procedures and surgeries. In spite of the frightening statistics for a preemie of his size, miraculously, Stuart began to grow and thrive under the constant care of the Wolfson medical staff and the unceasing prayers of his parents.

Quite amazingly, Stuart went home before his due date. Once home, another worry appeared. Stuart had developed ROP or Retinopathy of Prematurity, a condition that occurs when the eye has an abnormal growth of blood vessels that can often cause blindness. Under the care of Nemours Pediatric Ophthalmologist Dr. Lee Hunter, Stuart was monitored closely as the ROP went from grade 1 to 4, and his retinas became partially detached. Back in Wolfson, Stuart experienced his next miracle. After cryosurgery on both eyes and continuous care by Dr. Hunter, Stuart’s sight was saved.  

Both Roy and Trish know that God has had a hand over Stuart since birth. The things that could have been a problem seemed to resolve themselves. To this day, they praise the NICU staff for the way it personally cared for each baby in the unit, and especially for Stuart. Dr. Hunter, who continues to follow Stuart, is an amazing doctor who uses caution and care, doing the right thing for each child. 

Roy and Trish credit the doctors, nurses, staff and Wolfson Children’s Hospital with the blessing of their son. “They came up alongside us, encouraged us, and loved us and our son through one of the most challenging life experiences. We feel like they are family, and when we walk through the doors at Wolfson, we feel like we are home.”