Alison’s Story: Born At Just 24 Weeks, Defies Doctor’s Expectations To Live

Every now and then our hearts are warmed by stories that reminds us that God is still very much in the business of working miracles in the lives of His people here on earth.

This is Alison’s story! I believe it would touch your heart  just as much as it did mine the day when I came across it from a fellow blogger and subsequently, asked her permission to share it with you.

I was touched by Rebecca and Alison’s courage, their level of faith and hope that have demonstrated to all who believe that when you place your trust in God, mountains are moved, sick bodies are healed and a tiny miracle would defy the doctor’s expectations and live to tell the world about it!

So without further adieu, I would have them both share their story with you. 🙂

[by Rebecca Vahdat and Alison Jordyn]

Alison is my oldest child. She was born severely premature and has some cognitive delays along with Cerebral Palsy. Our church put on a special senior service for all our high school graduates. The families had the opportunity to put together a display of photos and academic, sport, etc. accomplishments. Our journey has looked different therefore trophies and other such accolades haven’t been a part of her life. Alison decided to share her story because it is her greatest accomplishment. Our display was a modest piece of tag board with some pictures and her story. I am so proud of her and her resilience and positive attitude, she is my hero! With a little help from mom….here is her story.

MY STORY

My name is Alison Jordyn. I was born October 31, 1995 at 7:51 PM. My mom is Rebecca and she was just 17 and 24 weeks pregnant when I was born. I weighed 1 pounds 12 Oz. I was born so premature that my eyes were still fused shut. My mom told me what a whirlwind of doctors and nurses there were, all working hard and fast to give me the best shot possible.

I had open heart surgery when I was only two weeks old weighing 1 pound 10 oz. From brain hemorrhages to dangerous blood infections I fought through each one becoming stronger each day. My mom told me that she should plan on me being in the hospital for at least 6-8 months but since I am stubborn ( I get that from grandpa) I decided 2 1/2 months was long enough. One month and one day before my due date I was discharged weighing a hefty 4 pounds 7 oz.

When I was born they took my mom aside to prepare her for what life would be like for us. Because of the grade 4 brain hemorrhage she was told I would never walk, that I would never talk, and that I would be plagued with illness, allergies, and asthma. Fortunately, my mama has that same stubborn attitude as grandpa and me and never gave up hope.

I was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy when I was five months old. Two months later I rolled over for the first time. At ten months old I said my first word, “hi.” On December 28, 1997, I took my first steps and I never stopped moving! I am now 18 and still haven’t been plagued with illness, asthma, and allergies.

When I was in kindergarten my mom was taken aside again and told that I had learned all that I would ever learn. She told my mom that I was incapable of learning new things and maybe school wasn’t for me. That didn’t stop us! I have learned so much and I have accomplished and done more than anyone ever thought possible. We wish we remembered her name because we would like to send her a graduation announcement 🙂

My mom says that I am proof that God is still in the miracle business. With God, even the impossible becomes possible.

I know my accomplishments seem ordinary to most and that’s OK. I don’t have many earthly awards and that’s OK too. You see, my biggest accomplishment is that my life saved my mom’s life. God chose to use a sick little baby to save my mom from a life of addiction and instead led her into a life of salvation. Now that my mom knows Jesus my whole family knows Him. It’s pretty cool to think that I am the reason my whole family will go to heaven.

I am excited for what the future holds because I know the One who holds it. My future is bright and the opportunities are limitless and I look forward to seeing where my journey takes me……..because my story is just beginning!

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Editor’s note: The law defines a live birth as a baby born at 24 weeks. At 24 weeks a baby is said to be able to survive outside of a mother’s womb, with extensive medical intervention of course. The survival rate is 50-70%

Your turn..

Do you have a testimony of what God has done in your life and you would like to share it here on EMB? Then write to empowermentmoments@gmail.com

Leave a comment of praise to God in the comment form below and remember, let this be a blessing to someone else by sharing this story of a miracle.

This article originally posted at “And A Sprinkle of Love”

About Rebecca

Rebecca describes herself as hopelessly flawed but saved by grace. She is an adoring wife, blessed mama, with a heart for encouraging women in their roles (or future roles) as wives and mothers. She blogs at And A Sprinkle of Love