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‘Miracle baby’ heads home for holidays

Posted at 9:04 AM, Dec 12, 2013
and last updated 2013-12-12 09:04:49-05

CHICAGO (WGN) — Doctors are calling one local new born baby nothing short of a medical miracle. Born in July, the infant was premature by 17 weeks and weighed in under a pound. Today, she is finally going home after 5 months in the hospital.

Meghan Hope now weighs over 7 pounds and is doing everything but eating on her own. Her parents and her doctors say it’s been a long road to get here, but describe the infant as a fighter.

Meghan’s mother 39-year-old Rene Pacyna ‘s water broke on July 9th and she learned she was delivering at just 23 weeks pregnant. She was at her own baby shower when she was rushed to Advocate Good Samaritan hospital.

Two days later, Meghan arrived at 15.3 ounces and 8 inches long. Doctors had no idea if she would live days or even hours. With only a 10% chance of surviving, each day was a gift.

The Pacynas had been trying for years to have a baby. They say they prayed a lot and took things one day at a time.

“You have to believe miracles happen,” Rene said.

As the family heads home today, doctors who once were worried about Meghan’s lungs, her sight and hearing call her a medical miracle. She will use a feeding tube for a while longer, but that is about it. They hope her parents’ optimism will not fade.

The Pacynas are sharing the lesson the learned this year with others: Slow down, take stock and appreciate life’s gifts.

By Julie Unruh/WGN News