Age 4 Girl Who Has Spent Entire Life in Hospital Finally Goes Home for Christmas
“I’ll be home for Christmas,” has a different meaning to everyone. For some, it’s traveling far to be with loved ones in other states or even other countries.
For others, it looks like staying where you are, spending all day in your pajamas, and maybe watching a Christmas movie or two or three.
For a sweet 4-year-old girl who has spent her entire life in a hospital, home for Christmas is at long last coming true.
Phalynn Graham was born 2 months premature, according to KSDK. Ever since then, she has faced health problems.
Her lungs were still developing and because of this, the baby required a ventilator to breathe normally. For four years she has needed constant medical care.
According to March of Dimes, lung problems are common for premature babies like Phalynn. Any number of conditions can arise simply from being born too early.
Thankfully, though Phalynn still requires medical attention and help to breathe, she’s finally been cleared to leave Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital — a place she has called home for far too long.
The little girl appeared to be slightly overwhelmed at her new surroundings, but that’s to be expected. Her mother, Tarvashay Graham, is simply thrilled.
“It’s like unexplainable. I can’t even find the words,” she told KSDK. And neither can we. As a parent, I can only imagine what this mom must be feeling. Joy. Relief. And maybe even some newfound Christmas spirit.
Tarvashay has lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease that requires her to be on dialysis 3 times each and every week.
Now that the Graham family has secured a nurse to care for Phalynn while her mother is receiving her own treatments, the little girl will be allowed to stay at home where she belongs.
“Finally at home,” Tarvashay said. Indeed. What a true Christmas miracle. So many children and their families are still in the hospital over the holiday season. They’re strength and courage is inspiring.
There are ways you can make their days a little brighter, even after Christmas is long over. Reach out to your local children’s hospital and ask for ways you can help all year long. Your kindness and a willing heart can make a difference.
Truth and Accuracy
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.
