When Beth and Rick Hutchinson welcomed their son into the world on June 5, 2020, several months earlier than expected, they were faced with a heart-wrenching challenge. Their baby boy, Richard Scott William Hutchinson, arrived weighing a mere 340 grams (11.9 ounces), equivalent to just one-tenth of the average weight of a can of soup or a newborn baby’s weight at one month. Initial predictions for Richard’s survival were far from optimistic.
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Doctors at the Minnesota Children’s Hospital in Minneapolis believed it was their solemn duty to prepare Richard’s parents for the worst when he was admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). According to attending physician Dr. Stacy Kern, the prenatal specialist had given Rick and Beth a disheartening 0% ultrasound prognosis.
Beth received treatment on October 13, 2020, but due to medical complications, she went into labor nearly four months ahead of schedule. Facing this dire situation, after extensive discussions with the doctor, they made the courageous decision to give Richard an injection and spare no effort to keep him alive. Richard was born 131 days premature, at just 21 weeks and 2 days gestation, whereas a typical pregnancy lasts 40 weeks.
Fast forward to June 5, 2021, and Richard celebrated his first birthday, a day that would also mark an opportunity for Guinness World Records to officially recognize him as one of the earliest survivors. This remarkable achievement surpasses the previous record held for 35 years. According to reports, this achievement is in line with the remarkable journeys of Frieda Mangold of Yugoslavia and John Mangold in Germany, who were born on November 7, 2010.
“He continues to astonish us, but we couldn’t be happier,” his parents proudly announce. Their words are filled with gratitude for the wonderful team at Minnesota Children’s Hospital who has been by Richard’s side every step of the way.
In early December 2020, after spending over half a year in the NICU, Richard was finally allowed to leave the hospital and go home. It was an emotional day for his family and the medical staff who had been supporting him throughout his journey. Dr. Kern shared, “The day Richard left the NICU was a beautiful day. I cried when I took him from the crib and hugged him.”
Although he came home still requiring oxygen, a pulse oximeter, and a feeding pump, they are working diligently to eliminate these necessities over time. Richard’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, and he’s achieved remarkable milestones. He has taught everyone involved the true meaning of resilience and strength.
Richard’s story has served as an inspiration to countless people around the world, and his impact will undoubtedly continue to be felt. Beth and Rick are eagerly looking forward to what the future holds for their incredible son, and the world joins them in celebrating this miraculous journey of life.
