Baby girl who weighed less than one pound at birth starts kindergarten

Micro-preemie born at Dignity Health St. Joseph’s loved her first day of elementary school

(PHOENIX – July 31, 2024) - Kallie Bender started her first day of kindergarten five years after she was born at Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix at just 25 weeks gestation. The first day of school marks a major milestone for this micro-preemie who weighed less than one pound and was shorter than a Barbie doll when she was born in May 2019.

“Kallie has been so excited to start kindergarten,” said Ebonie Bender, Kallie’s mother. “She is such a vibrant, smart and active little girl who continues to overcome any hurdle in her way. I’m so proud of who she is becoming.”

Kallie was born 15 weeks premature after Ebonie underwent an emergency C-section due to a condition called absent end diastolic flow which occurs when blood flow is reduced or reversed from the placenta to the unborn baby.

“At the time, Kallie was one of the smallest babies to ever be cared for in St. Joseph’s NyICU,” said Andrea Hassler, director of women and infant services at St. Joseph’s. “Babies born at her gestational age and weight require an extremely high level of care and our team is so proud to watch Kallie continue to beat the odds today.”

Kallie spent 150 days in St. Joseph’s NyICU. Miraculously, she didn’t suffer any brain bleeds or blindness due to prematurity, which can occur in babies born around Kallie’s size and gestational age. This is partially due to the fact that Kallie was born at St. Joseph’s, avoiding the need to be airlifted to another facility to treat her advanced and specific medical needs.

St. Joseph’s is home to a level III NyICU which is capable of caring for some of the most fragile babies from across the country. Our skilled NyICU team uses some of the most advanced technology and collaborates closely with expert perinatologists, and other specialists to ensure mothers and babies are well cared for during and after complicated pregnancies.

Last week, Kallie found her desk in a typical kindergarten classroom. She will receive some extra support in speech and occupational therapy but overall is ready for the school year after completing pre-kindergarten earlier this year. Ebonie said Kallie loves to sing her ABC’s, can count to 100 and is making progress on her reading skills. She’s also looking forward to starting piano lessons soon.

“When I reflect on our NyICU journey, I remember celebrating many milestones, like the first time we were able to hold our baby girl and when she finally fit into newborn clothing,” said Ebonie. “I am so thankful that we get to add another major achievement to her milestone list when she starts her first day of elementary school. Kindergarten – here she comes!”