NICU Journey Inspires 'Avaleigh’s Very Own ABC Book,' A Story of Hope and Healing

At just under 24 weeks of gestation and weighing only 1 pound and 7 ounces, Avaleigh Wilson entered the world far earlier than expected.

She was immediately admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Cox South, where her parents, Aundrea and Josh, began navigating the challenges of life with a premature baby.

Having a child in the NICU brought long hours filled with hope, worry and waiting. To cope with the emotional toll, Josh turned to an unexpected outlet: drawing.

What started as a single sketch quickly grew into a collection, filling the walls of Avaleigh’s room. Over time, these drawings evolved into “Avaleigh’s Very Own ABC Book,” a personalized project that became a beacon of hope during their journey.

“The alphabet book started as a way to keep my husband’s mind occupied,” says Aundrea. “He would draw when he felt overwhelmed, adding humor and creativity to help both of us cope.”

The book features illustrations for each letter of the alphabet, paired with playful sentences. Josh hopes it inspires other NICU families facing similar challenges.

“I hope it encourages you in uncertain times and gives you the hope it takes to love these miracle babies,” Josh shares. “Avaleigh will soon be two years old and continues to amaze us every day with who she is growing to be.”

After forming a close bond with the Wilson family during their time in the NICU, Dr. Laura Cerny, a neonatologist and medical director of the unit, contributed the foreword to the book, offering her reflections on their journey:

“As a neonatologist now for 15 years, I have seen numerous families come and go through the doors of the NICU. All are special, but some are more impactful to the lives of the providers than others. Meeting and getting to know Josh, Aundrea and Avaleigh was special. Josh and Aundrea were the set of parents who were able to navigate the ups and downs of the NICU with grace. The emotional roller coaster of having an infant in the NICU can push even the kindest and most resourceful of parents to his or her limits. Minutes become hours... then days... then weeks... then months. How the families choose to fill that time and how they engage with our staff varies.

Drawing was therapeutic for Josh and gave the staff something positive to anticipate. We were all excited to see what image would partner with the next letter, sometimes we even gave suggestions, or were lucky enough to be included. Once the project was complete, it was a book of beautiful and heartfelt images for his daughter. It symbolized the journey, including some shout-outs to the importance of medicine and the individuals who love these babies and provide their care.

Though we are sorrowful that Avaleigh and her family had to spend four months in our NICU, we are thankful that they have become a part of our lives. I am honored to have been asked to introduce this book and hope that you find it as special as we do.”

Avaleigh’s story, and the book it inspired, serve as a testament to the resilience, creativity and support found within the walls of the CoxHealth NICU - a place where hope and healing come to life every day.