What a wonderful, hopeful story!
Baby Juniper French’s story is just as unique as her beautiful name. As mum Kelly Benham says poignantly, “24 weeks [prematurity] is considered viability outside of the womb. It’s right on the line of what’s medically possible, and what’s a lost cause.”
Juniper was born four months early at 23 weeks and six days.
This is what doctor’s call ‘The Grey Zone’, where babies born at this point in pregnancy are given a very low chance of survival.
However, this little fighter’s story is one of facing seemingly insurmountable odds and beating them. Now a powerful short film documents Juniper’s incredible development from weighing a tiny one pound and four ounces, to a happy, thriving toddler of almost three.
“One of the doctors said there was an 80% chance she was going to die or develop blindness, intestinal problems, cerebral palsy or more,” says dad Tom French. “I cannot even count the number of times we almost lost her. What I can’t get over is what it was inside of her that made her keep going.”
And despite almost stopping breathing numerous times, Juniper went from strength to strength, amazing doctors and her parents with her progress. Now almost three years on, she’s a healthy, mischievous toddler.
“Socially, she’s far ahead of where she should be for her age; in terms of her cognitive ability and problem solving she’s doing wonderfully,” says her proud mum. “Fine motor, she not really good at puzzles, but you know what?” she laughs, “Tom’s not either.”
