Her mother set up Yasminah's Gift of Hope in her honour...
and to support the families of other babies born sleeping
and the families of premature and sick babies.
They shared Dexter's story on their facebook page.
Here's the story★ Premmie Stars ★ Introducing Dexter who was born at 31 weeks.
At 31 weeks, Dexter's amniotic fluid began to leak and he was born by emergency caesarean. He had half a dose of glucocorticosteroids, to help with his lung development. He came out ok, but crashed during the night and we almost lost him. He battled pneumonia and anaemia and jaundice. He had ultrasounds, echo-cardiograms, x-rays, barium swallows, enemas, electroencephalograms, milk scans, swabs, blood work and loads of tests.
When Dexter was 4 weeks old, a routine head ultrasound showed that he had PVL. Brain Damage.
They found spots on his gastrointestinal tract so they sent him to another hospital for further checks in case he had to have part of his bowel surgically removed.
Then, when he was 2 months old and starting to make good progress, he had his first immunisation injections and 12 hours later... stopped breathing.
So he went back to hourly feeds.
At 3 months, they moved Dexter to his local hospital and Dexter thrived. His nurses pushed him into growing up. They allowed his mum to breastfeed him on demand during the day.
Then when Dexter was 4 months old he had his second lot of immunisation injections. Again he stopped breathing after 12 hours.
At 122 days old, Dexter went home. He was breast feeding on demand day and night. He was breathing on his own.
Dexter is now 2. He has cerebral palsy and is yet to sit or stand on his own. He has a walker, which he is learning to use, to move with independence.
He has a cortico vision impairment. We are not too sure just how much he can see.
And, just after his 1st birthday, he was diagnosed with hepatoblastoma (liver cancer). After 6 rounds of chemotherapy, a few surgeries, platelet and blood transfusions, Dexter was cleared of his cancer in January this year.
He's a cheeky, happy, patient boy... and a loving, gentle big brother.
And, here is the picture... and the comments people left for Dexter.
Oh my..what a very brave little warrior...I wish you well and keep on swimming..said one little smart fish xxxx
Such a beautiful little boy, what a fighter he is!
Sending you love & best wishes cute little Dexter!
Such an amazing beautiful little Boy
what a gorgeous brave little man
Such a massive journey for one just beginning xo
what a champion fighter he is already xo
Thanks for sharing guys. I am touched every time I read Dexters story xx
Wow. Amazing boy & amazing parents!
What a beautiful little fighter! Keep strong lil man x
He actually looks older than two. I think it's the eyes. He looks like an old soul
He's always had 'old' eyes - it's like he knew it would be a rough road. But, he's a patient and gentle boy. Thanks for showering him with love and kindness! xx
You bring me strength Dexter xoxoxox
oh wow, those eyes and eye lashes, just gorgeous!!!
All the best in the future.He is certainly a little fighter
What an amazing little fighter he is!
Thank you for sharing your handsome little miracle boy
Lovely story, lucky other people immunise their children, so that will go a long way to protecting Dexter...
A brave and beautiful little boy, what a fighter.
A lovely and amazing story! May he become a strong and inspiring little man
What an inspiration Dexter is!!!!!!!!! Lil Champion xx
Yeah he's a little super star:) xx