The boy that beat the odds
Heather Tyrrell and Josh Eslinger were happy to announce their upcoming addition to their family last fall, and looked forward to the April 24 birthdate. However, on December 6, Tyrrell entered the hospital after some bleeding, and attempts to stop an early birth were unsuccessful.
Thompson Eslinger was born at 22 weeks gestational age on December 19, 2021, weighing 1 pound, 0.6 ounces and was only 10 inches long. Any doctor will tell you that infant viability at that age is extremely tricky, and simply wouldn’t have been possible even just a few years ago. Thankfully, Sanford Health in Sioux Falls, South Dakota has one of the best neo-natal intensive care wards in the nation.
Thompson and his parents have had a long, hard road since December, but against all odds, against setbacks, surgeries and infections, Thompson made steady progress and thrived. On Monday, June 20th 2022, Thompson came home at 8 pounds 2 ounces! The family and community at large is rejoicing with this news! The bravery of his parents is inspiring, as is the love and support they have felt from their family and this community.
Welcome home Thompson!
