Lyla Hammerstrom is loving when snuggling with her pet kitten, creative when painting and imaginative when playing with her dolls. She is also strong and determined — traits that become evident early in life during her 122-day stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Marshfield Children’s Hospital.
Today, as the 2026 Children’s Miracle Network Champion, Lyla and her family are sharing her incredible journey to raise awareness and inspire support for the hospital that saved her life.
An Unexpected Early Arrival
In November 2019, halfway through her pregnancy, Lyla’s mom noticed some signs of early labor. After a check-up, she was told she was in labor and was immediately transferred to Marshfield Children’s Hospital for bed rest and monitoring. The birth center, just down the hall from the NICU, was ready for Lyla when the time came.
At 23 weeks and 6 days, Lyla was born weighing only 1 pound, 3.8 ounces. Over the next 122 days, Lyla worked hard to grow stronger. She developed her lungs, learned to eat, gained weight and maintained her body temperature.
Throughout this time, her parents felt supported by the staff, who educated them on Lyla’s development and built their confidence as new micropreemie parents.
Technology made possible by philanthropy, like the NicView cameras, helped them stay connected to Lyla, even when they couldn’t be physically present. The cameras allowed her siblings to check in and see Lyla as often as they wanted.
Overcoming More Challenges
After 122 days, Lyla graduated from the NICU, but her journey didn’t end there.
Just months later, she was hospitalized again with RSV. Her family knew they could count on the exceptional care at Marshfield Children’s Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Child life specialists made their stay more comfortable by providing toys, books and emotional support.
Hope for the Future
Today, Lyla is a healthy, happy girl. She is curious when learning at school, fun when she runs outside and inspirational with her determination to overcome every obstacle.
Despite her challenging start, Lyla’s strength and resilience continue to shine, and her family looks forward to a bright future for her.
Give for Children. Give for Good.
If you’re inspired by this story, give for local kids like Lyla today. 100% of your gift stays local to help kids in central and northern Wisconsin have the healthy futures they deserve. Gifts support priorities like advanced equipment and technology, child life services and therapeutic therapies, research, assistance to families in need and much more.
With your support, we can continue fueling health, healing and hope for kids and families in our community.