Baby Born at Just 26 Weeks Thrives with Comprehensive Care from Teams at Holtz Children’s Hospital

By: Krysten Brenlla

When Christina Matthew-Deffo and her husband, Modeste, learned they were expecting their second child, they were excited. Their daughter, Chloe, now 10, had always prayed for a sibling. And after experiencing previous losses, their baby was not just a blessing – he was their miracle.

But at just 26 weeks into the 38-year-old’s pregnancy, life took an unexpected turn. What began as a routine prenatal visit quickly turned into a race against time.

“I checked into Jackson thinking it was just monitoring,” Christina said. “But two weeks later, the baby decided he was coming early. Suddenly, everything changed.”

At 26 weeks, their son, Caleb, entered the world weighing just 2 pounds — tiny, fragile, and fighting for his life. He was immediately rushed to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Holtz Children’s Hospital.

“When I first saw him, I couldn’t speak,” Modeste said. “I prayed harder than I’ve ever prayed. He was so small, and all I could do was ask God to save my baby.”

Caleb needed support with breathing, feeding, and maintaining his temperature.

“The first time I held him was at 30 weeks,” Christina said. “For the first time, I felt hope. I could feel him fighting.”

Throughout Caleb’s NICU stay, Holtz Children’s multidisciplinary team, which included neonatologists, respiratory therapists, nurses, lactation specialists, physical and occupational therapists, and child life specialists, worked together with Christina and Modeste to help Caleb grow healthy and strong.

One of the first people to support the family was NICU nurse Sherly Gabriel, who recognized their worries immediately.

“Babies born this early face extraordinary challenges,” Gabriel said. “But Caleb showed strength from the very beginning, and so did his parents. Our team’s role was to surround them with the highest level of expertise and compassion every step of the way.”

“Sherly looked at me and said, ‘Do you pray?’” Modeste said. “When I said yes, she prayed with me right there next to Caleb. It was the comfort I didn’t know I needed.”

Another nurse, Selma Benitez, helped Christina experience her first bonding moments with Caleb – moments she’ll never forget.

“She’s the one who made impossible things possible,” Christina said. “She helped me hold Caleb for the very first time. She taught us that even in the NICU, we were still his parents.”

“Every small victory in the NICU matters — a stable breath, a successful feed, a quiet moment with mom or dad,” Benitez said. “Our goal is to help families create those moments, even in the most fragile circumstances.”

Christina also found invaluable support from maternal family liaison Sharon Burbelo, whom she describes as a “Jackson gem.”

“Our families often need emotional support just as much as medical guidance,” Burbelo said. “I always remind parents that they’re never alone. We walk this journey together.”

Day by day, Caleb defied expectations.

“He went from 2 pounds to 9,” Christina said. “Seeing that transformation felt like watching a miracle unfold right in front of us.”

After months in the NICU, the Deffo family finally began preparing for the moment they had prayed for: taking Caleb home.

“The small things, like sitting together in our own living room with him in our arms — that’s what we’re most excited about,” Christina said.

Today, Caleb is thriving – he continues to grow, laugh, and surprise everyone who meets him. And Chloe, who was praying for a sibling, is now the best playmate, protector, and big sister who celebrates every milestone.

For Caleb’s parents, the experience has strengthened their faith and their gratitude.

“You all have truly elevated the NICU experience here at Jackson,” Christina said. “You cared for our son with skill and love. Jackson wasn’t just the right place; it was the place we were meant to be.”

“Caleb’s story is one of miracles,” Modeste added. “And this hospital will always be part of that story.”