From ventilator to crown: my story

My name is Danielle Evans and I was a premature baby, born at 26 weeks, weighing a mere 0.837kg (1lb 14oz). I am very honoured to be sharing my story with you.  

My family have always been very open and honest about my birth and the challenges surrounding giving birth to a premature baby. I was delivered by C-section at St George’s Hospital in Tooting after my mum was rushed in for pre-eclampsia.  

I had a grade 1 brain bleed and was given a 5% chance of survival. My parents were told to say their goodbyes. However, by the grace of God, I fought on and after three months in an incubator and lots of kangaroo hugs, I was allowed to go home. 

Life today 

Fast forward to 24 years later, I’m now Miss Brighton 2021, I have obtained two degrees, I'm a rugby player and an executive. I’m very lucky and grateful to have achieved these wonderful things in my life so far. However, life hasn’t always been easy. 

My earliest memories of the long-term effects of being born premature are from around the age of seven. I suffered with cognitive development issues, where my neurological pathways were not fully formed and I struggled to retain/process information. In other words, if you gave me a list of instructions, I could only remember a third of the things you said. Naturally, this had an impact on my schooling and I remember not being able to focus enough to be able to finish writing the date on the board. 

My mum (who is my biggest supporter!) tried to find solutions to help me. We went to see a number of specialists. We were told that as I grew up, I would form these mental strategies on my own. Nowadays, my information processing isn’t perfect but I no longer struggle with it.

Breathing issues

My biggest struggle that I face today is with my chest. Like a lot of premature babies, I developed chronic lung disease. I have severe asthma and regularly get a lot of inflammatory issues, such as pleurisy. I can’t lie, it can be very painful but my doctors do everything they can to support and help me. I’ve come to accept that I will always suffer from a weak chest. When you get a cold, it usually takes you a couple of days to get over. For me, it can stop me in my tracks and takes me about a week or two to get over. 

Glimmer of hope

Despite these struggles, I do not let them become a barrier. I keep playing rugby, I’m continuing to learn and I'm here to be a glimmer of hope. Parents of premature babies are incredible and you’re some of the toughest, bravest people I know. Us babies get that from you! My crown is made up of lots of little crowns. 

With thanks to Danielle Evans for sharing her own story.