When Ruby Stancill was born on August 8, 2020 – nearly 15 weeks early – she weighed just 1 pound, 6 ounces. A team from CHKD was waiting to immediately take her from Sentara Norfolk General through adjoining hallways to CHKD’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, where every year, more than 500 premature and critically ill newborns receive specialized treatment and get the best possible start to life.
As Ruby was whisked away, she let out a cry – a sound that gave her parents, Heather and Daman, a fragile but powerful hope that her lungs would develop the strength needed to support her.
“When I went to see Ruby in the NICU for the first time after she was born, I felt at ease as soon as I met her nurse,” says Heather. “I had peace of mind that my baby was in the best hands possible, and I knew she was safe.”
Under the expert care of doctors, nurses, and staff in CHKD’s NICU, Ruby recovered from a dangerous intestinal condition and grew stronger every day. “The NICU became like a second home and all of the staff felt like a second family,” says Heather. “The patience, care, and love they show all babies is unmatched.”
After 103 days – and just two days after her due date – Ruby’s parents were finally able to take her home to Virginia Beach to meet her big brother Henry.
Today, she continues to be followed by our specialists and gets excited about appointments at CHKD (and helped us celebrate our 65th birthday in 2026!). The bubbly 5-year-old loves chocolate, squirrels, and the color yellow – which she enthusiastically picked for her celebration hat.
“CHKD saved our sweet girl’s life,” says Heather. “It will forever hold a special place in our hearts.”
Written by CHKD Marketing • Photograph by Amanda MacDiarmid
