Overcoming Odds: Tatum Rose’s Story

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C – A human heart beats an average of over 42 million times in a year. For Taylor Jenkins and her family, each heartbeat of Tatum Rose, their little daughter, is a miracle. Born at merely 22 weeks old, doctors gave Tatum a meager 33% chance of survival. The strong and resilient toddler defied all odds and celebrated her first birthday recently in the company of her loved ones in Myrtle Beach.

Stirring Journey: From 1-pound Newborn to 16-pound Toddler

Months after her birth, Tatum Rose spent her days at the Medical University of South Carolina’s neonatal intensive care unit. Weighing just one pound at birth, Tatum was so delicate that even the slightest complication could prove tragic. The procedure of resuscitation was considered too dangerous due to her size.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, preterm births—which are any births that occur before 37 weeks—can lead to severe health issues as important organs remain undeveloped. In South Carolina alone, approximately 12% of all babies are born before their due term. Undeterred by these daunting figures, brave little Tatum rose to the occasion and proved her mettle.

Triumph Over Trials: The Celebration of Resilience and Life

Taylor Jenkins, Tatum’s mother, attributes her daughter’s miraculous growth and survival to overwhelming family support during her hospital stay. She fondly recalls Tatum’s first meeting with her elder brother, Cayde. Despite the several weeks she was born early, Tatum displayed an extraordinary growth for a preemie, “They said she wouldn’t be able to do many things. However, she’s now crawling and talking. She’s come from wearing nano-preemie diapers to a size two and weighs a healthy 16 pounds,” her mother joyfully reports.

The family hosted a “one in a melon” themed party to honor Tatum’s first birthday, symbolizing her unique journey and the incredible strides she has made. Everyone present who had witnessed Tatum’s transition from a newborn so fragile she could barely be touched, to the active child she is today, shared in the family’s joy. Their joy was further amplified at her discharge from her 150-day prolonged hospital stay.

A Reason to Celebrate: Tatum’s First Milestone

Tatum’s survival serves as a beacon of hope and resilience. A one-year-old who has faced rigorous health battles sooner than most, her story is an inspiration to many who find themselves in similar circumstances. As she embarks on her life journey, Tatum indeed proves that miracles happen every day, and every heartbeat counts.