Saturday, November 14, 2026
For Perla and Dahibel Perez of Freeport, this November is especially meaningful. Not only is it Prematurity Awareness Month, but it’s also the month they were finally able to bring their baby girl, Daila, home for the first time.
Dalia was born on Sept. 4, after just 28 weeks. She weighed 1 pound and 13 ounces and spent the next 64 days in Catholic Health Mercy Hospital’s Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
Under the care of the hospital’s specialized team of doctors and nurses, she made remarkable progress. By the time she was discharged, Daila weighed 5 pounds and 2.3 ounces.
The staff, who had grown attached to the family during their time at the NICU, said they’ll miss the Perezes, especially Daila, who had recently found her voice and had become “very vocal” in her final days at the hospital.
The family’s homecoming is just in time for Thanksgiving, giving Perla, Dahibel, and Daila an extra reason to celebrate together.
Prematurity Awareness Month, observed every November, highlights the challenges faced by families of premature babies and the vital role of NICUs in their care.
For more information on Catholic Health Mercy Hospital’s Level III NICU and other services, visit CatholicHealthLI.com
