The verb “prosper” comes from Hebrew heritage and means to push forward or pass through.
Prosper Carter, who recently turned six months old, is celebrating the holidays at home this year and has been living up to his namesake since birth.
When Prosper was born in June 2019, doctors found he had an underdeveloped chest. It was determined he would need to stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Bon Secours – St. Mary’s Hospital for an extensive stay to receive oxygen and breathing support.
Amie and her husband, Dominic, visited their son every day during his NICU stay for treatment. They were so thankful to see their son progressing. However, having to say goodbye to him every day was extremely challenging.
“I was thrilled to see him and spend time with him. But having to leave him in the hospital brought such overwhelming sadness,” recalls Amie.
Amie was amazed at the care the St. Mary’s Hospital NICU nurses provided. Not only for Prosper, but for her, Dominic, and their 3-year-old son, Kingdom, as well. The nurses made them feel right at home. Not being able to take a baby home after delivery can be difficult, but Amie found peace in knowing her son was in good hands.
“They genuinely cared about seeing him do well and were full of joy and encouragement,” Amie mentions about Prosper’s care team. “This was exactly what our family needed during this challenging time.”
After 27 long days, Prosper came home and remained on oxygen support. Amie and Dominic accommodated his needs while also praying and pushing forward, especially during numerous doctor visits that followed. Two months later, on September 6, Prosper was finally taken off of oxygen completely.
Throughout their journey, Amie and Dominic have held on to the Bible verse, 3 John 1:2, “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.”
Already living up to his name, Prosper Carter is truly a fighter with a courageous spirit.
“The doctors and nurses have been so amazed by his progress,” says Amie. “When Prosper is big and fast and playing for a professional sports team one day or something else great, I’ll reflect on his first few weeks of life at St. Mary’s Hospital and smile!
Learn more about the health care services offered at Bon Secours.
