The little lives and long road behind a very big walk

Amy Moody gave birth to her son Harry in October 2025, at just 25 weeks and four days, weighing only 875 grams. Diagnosed with severe underdevelopment, Harry spent 123 days in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), with his lungs resembling those of a baby born at 22 weeks. His parents were warned about the risks of long-term disability during his birth, as Harry's chances of survival were slim.

After spending his first two months on a ventilator, Harry eventually went home with a feeding tube after doctors tried an intensive six-week course of treatment, despite concerns about potential developmental effects. Despite the intensive medical care, Harry's parents faced a new set of challenges at home, as his condition remained highly medicalized.

Simple illnesses could leave him struggling to breathe, and the family often found themselves back in the emergency department. The isolation and unique experiences of parenting a preemie left Ms Moody feeling anxious and left out of typical mothering groups. However, Life's Little Treasures Foundation helped the family connect with a supportive community that understood their situation.

After four months at home, Harry was able to stop using oxygen and his parents could take him out without packing medical equipment. Now approaching his first birthday, Harry has made impressive progress, including crawling, having teeth, and displaying a cheerful personality. He is expected to begin discussions about removing his feeding tube around his corrected first birthday.

The family will join the annual Walk for Prems fundraiser in Melbourne to support families of premature or sick babies, as the cost of care continues to rise.