After 146 Days in the NICU, Baby Trinity Heads Home with “No Worries”

On Wednesday, September 17, 2025 Catholic Health’s Mercy Hospital celebrated a powerful moment of hope, healing, and resilience as Baby Trinity Alexandria Rose Taylor was discharged after spending 146 days in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Joined by her family, Trinity was sent off in a hospital-wide celebration that brought together not only her NICU care team, but staff from departments throughout the hospital—doctors (including the doctor who delivered her), nurses, therapists, and support staff—many of whom had come to know and love the tiny fighter over her nearly five-month stay.

Born a micro preemie at just 26 weeks on April 24 and weighing only 1 lb. 14 oz., Trinity arrived more than three months ahead of her July 31^st due date. Now, thanks to the expert care of Mercy’s Level III NICU team—and her own unwavering spirit—Trinity went home weighing a healthy 11 lbs. 8.5 oz.

Throughout her NICU journey, Trinity faced and overcame medical challenges with resilience and grace. Her care team, led by Dr. Swarna Devarajan, Director of Neonatology, and Dr. Jordana Hannam, NICU physician, supported her through every milestone. In a touching tradition, her favorite Disney song, “Hakuna Matata” from Disney’s The Lion King, played daily by her bedside—becoming a comforting anthem of courage and joy for both Trinity and the staff.

“Trinity has already made her mark here at Mercy—she holds the record for the longest NICU stay of my career,” said Dr. Devarajan. “I’ve been a NICU physician for nearly 30 years, and days like this never get old. Her transformation is a powerful reflection of what advanced NICU care can achieve, and even more, a testament to the strength and spirit of one incredible little girl.”

Trinity’s proud parents, LaTashia Morris and David Taylor of Freeport, along with grandmother Melva Morris, were constant figures at her bedside throughout the nearly five-month journey. The NICU became their second home—and yesterday, they finally got to bring Trinity to her first.

“After 146 days in the NICU, finally bringing Trinity home feels like a mix of every emotion all at once,” said her mother, LaTashia. “It’s freeing, overwhelming, and beautiful. Seeing her in her own crib, without wires or alarms, makes every hard day worth it.”

She also shared a message for other NICU parents:

“You are stronger than you feel right now. The journey is long, but brighter days are coming. You are not alone, and you are doing an amazing job.”

Trinity’s sendoff was nothing short of spectacular. Staff from across the entire hospital came together to celebrate her discharge with cheers, claps, laughter, and joyful tears. The hospital rolled out a red carpet for Trinity’s walk out—marking her journey from fragile beginnings to a bright new chapter. As “Hakuna Matata” echoed through the hallway—her personal anthem and daily comfort—Trinity made her way through a sea of smiling caregivers and her extended family.

Fittingly, she was discharged during Neonatal Nurses Week—a poetic and heartfelt way, her team believes, for Trinity to say “thank you” to the nurses who cared for her so lovingly from day one. The moment perfectly captured the spirit of her story: no worries, just hope, healing, and the promise of new beginnings.