![](https://new-cdn.mamamia.com.au/mamamia-pwa.appspot.com/cms_images/variations/1200x800-490383990534.jpg)
Brittany Johnson and her fiancé Javier Davis have endured what no parents ought to. But amid the grief, they have a message they want to share — a thank you to all the nurses who helped their baby girl during her 17 months of life.
On May 20, 2022, they welcomed their daughter into the world, and named her Sloane.
"My pregnancy had been okay, but then Sloane was born pretty early at 24 weeks. The complications went on from there," Johnson tells Mamamia.
When born, Sloane weighed just under 700 grams. Although her arrival was far earlier than expected, Sloane was immediately adored by her whole family, including her three siblings who are 11, 10 and almost four.
"Everyone loved her, she was such a giggly, happy baby. She was my beautiful girl."
Watch: Parents who have love a child speak about their experiences. Post continues below.
Doctors soon discovered that Sloane was not only premature, but she had also been born with a genetic condition that impacted her health severely. She was in for the fight of her life in the neonatal intensive care unit.