2-year-old with lung problem makes trip outside hospital for third time ever
Posted by St. Louis Children's Hospital on Monday, August 17, 2015
Born prematurely at just over one pound, 2-year-old Ke'Aiden Proctor has only left the NICU and experienced fresh air three times since his birth. St. Louis Children's Hospital nurse Corena Barbee said:
"What's holding him back are his lungs. His lungs can't work on their own so he requires support from a ventilator."
While Proctor originally came into the NICU on the maximum support his body could handle, doctors have been working to wean him off of the support in an effort to get him on a home ventilator. Kindness Singano, Proctor's mother, said:
"It's really hard. Everyone always asks me when he's going to come home and we don't have an answer. It's really hard and frustrating."
When Proctor got the news that her son was going to take a trip outside to the hospital's garden, she knew she had to be there despite having to balance work and school. She said:
"He doesn't get to go out much because it takes a lot of people to make the trip. But, when I got that news I was excited."
Posted by St. Louis Children's Hospital on Monday, August 17, 2015
It takes several nurses and respiratory therapists to arrange for Proctor to leave the hospital as he's confined to the ventilator. Therefore, he doesn't get to go outside very often as that many staff members rarely find time to leave the floor. On August 13, Proctor went outside for the third time in his entire life. Singano said:
"He was smiling at everyone because it's a whole different world for him. He's a people person, so he was smiling and seemed happy. It was a happy day"
Hopefully Proctor will be able to go home soon. Until then, he has some great memories of his happy day in the garden.
Posted by St. Louis Children's Hospital on Monday, August 17, 2015
Watch this video to learn about new oxygen glasses that could help people with lung problems:
More from AOL.com:
3-year-old boy has adorable interaction with Texas cops
Police officer buys girl a new bike after hers was stolen
Man saves his kids, his meal, and gives the most epic interview of all time
