Meet Emmanuel
“I am grateful for every day I get a chance to see him thrive. He is walking, talking, and such a happy boy! He is doing things I was not sure he would be able to do.” – Jasmine, Emmanuel’s mom
Jasmine and Elfondrick Lumpkin were both overjoyed and nervous when they found out they were pregnant again, after a previous miscarriage. Due to that, Jasmine’s doctors kept a close eye on her during this pregnancy and she was ordered to be on bedrest beginning close to 18 weeks.
The next nine weeks puttered along and the unthinkable happened: Elfondrick was admitted to Phoebe with blood pressure issues. Jasmine was at home, on bedrest, when she began to have intense labor contractions. Thankfully, her aunt was with her and was able to bring her to Phoebe. Soon after her arrival, Jasmine, at only 27 weeks pregnant, learned that her son would be coming that day.
“It was such a scary moment knowing our son was going to be born so early and not having my husband there beside me when it happened,” Jasmine explained.
On November 7, Emmanuel Lumpkin arrived and began fighting for his life. Weighing only 2 pounds and 1 ounce, he was immediately taken to Phoebe’s NICU to receive life-saving care. Emmanuel had a grade 4 brain bleed, and it was unknown to his parents how this might affect his long-term health.
Emmanuel had many obstacles to overcome before he could go home. He spent 86 days in Phoebe’s NICU growing, getting stronger, and achieving important milestones. When Emmanuel finally went home with his parents, they were overjoyed and so thankful for Phoebe’s NICU team.
“I am eternally grateful for the level of care Emmanuel received. I loved how they treated us like family and continue to support us even after he was released,” Jasmine shared.
At about 2 years old, Jasmine noticed major delays in his speech and some issues walking. Emmanuel returned to Phoebe to receive speech and physical therapy.
Today, Emmanuel is 4 years old and thriving! He is continuing to grow his skills through Phoebe’s pediatric rehabilitation program. Emmanuel loves to eat hamburgers, play with his parents, and all things Spiderman!
As you can see from Emmanuel’s big, bright smile, he is a pure joy and lights up any room he enters. He is a walking miracle, and we are so happy to share his story.
“I am grateful for every day I get a chance to see him thrive. He is walking, talking, and such a happy boy! He is doing things I was not sure he would be able to do,” Jasmine shared.
