TYLER, Texas (KYTX) – After six months of intensive care, a baby born weighing only 15 ounces finally went home, marking a remarkable victory in her fight for life.
Labreshia Howard recalled the terrifying moment when doctors couldn’t detect her baby’s heartbeat, and Addisyn was measuring far smaller than expected. At birth, she was the tiniest baby ever treated at UT Health East Texas—so small, in fact, that NICU Clinical Manager Bonnie Bearden compared her size to a can of Coke. Even her newborn diaper was nearly too large for her tiny frame.
Howard’s pregnancy had been uneventful until a 24-week checkup, shortly after a gender reveal, when doctors admitted her in hopes of prolonging Addisyn’s growth in the womb. Just three days later, they had to deliver her, a frightening experience for the family.
Addisyn spent six months in the NICU—the longest stay for any baby at UT Health East Texas—receiving constant, specialized care. Nurses explained that she began on a ventilator, was fed through a tube, and received nutrients via IV lines. As she grew, her feedings and treatments were adjusted to support her development.
Despite her tiny size and the challenges of feeding and respiratory support, Addisyn’s resilience amazed the staff. Marcie Tunstall, director of nursing for women’s and children’s services, noted the joy of witnessing her daily milestones, describing it as “almost like your own child.”
Howard encouraged parents in similar situations to “have patience, have faith.” To celebrate Addisyn’s discharge, the hospital organized a parade from the NICU to the exit, with staff lining the halls to cheer her on.
Her story serves as a powerful reminder that even the tiniest babies can achieve incredible victories. “Moms and dads that have babies in the NICU, you’re also world champions in this battle,” Bearden said. Howard affectionately described her daughter as a “little fighter.”