News We Love: Baby going home for first time after spending 622 days in NICU
Kingston Bryant has spent every day of his life defeating the odds.
Bryant was born on Dec. 29, 2023, and weighed just one pound. He was diagnosed with chronic lung disease of prematurity and spent his first 622 days in the Norton Children's Hospital neonatal intensive care unit in Kentucky.
"I made a promise to him, I probably shouldn't have made that, I would get him home. But now we're seeing that happen," said Tonya Smith, one of Bryant's nurses who has become more like family.
Smith decided to stay with the family after her contract with Norton Hospital was up.
"I started out taking care of Kingston when he was about 2 months old. And then the resilience that this baby showed me just made me want to come to work more and more and more," Smith said.
Many doctors said Bryant was not going to make it home, but on Tuesday, he proved everyone wrong. Doctors, nurses and family members lined the halls,cheering Bryant and his parents on as he left to go home for the very first time. Health care workers brought Bryant a crown and a cape to wear on his way out, calling him "The King."
"We're overwhelmed with a lot of emotion. There's sadness. There's happiness, excitement, we're a little scared. So, a whole new beginning. Even though this has seemed like a never-ending journey," said Kaycee Hartman, Bryant's mom.
The family made one last stop at the Ronald McDonald House Charities before driving home. While Bryant was receiving treatment, his mom used the Ronald McDonald House as a place to stay close to her child. The pair rang the bell, signifying the end of their stay, and beginning of Bryant's life.
Bryant will continue to have follow-up appointments with Norton Children's, but for now, he'll be enjoying time with his family.