In a remarkable testament to resilience, a baby girl from Wisconsin has been discharged from the hospital after an arduous 375-day stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Raelynn Kubiske was born extremely premature at just 23 weeks and six days, weighing a mere 355 grams. Her survival marks a significant milestone for UW Health in Madison, where she has become the smallest surviving infant by weight to graduate from the NICU.
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Raelynn’s birth on July 18, 2025, was a critical moment not only for her family but also for the medical team. Dr. Claudette Onyelobi, a neonatologist at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, expressed the significance of Raelynn’s case. “She makes history,” Dr. Onyelobi affirmed, underlining the rarity of such early births and the complexities involved in their care.
Her parents, Aubree Winnekens and Aaron Kubiske, were initially met with terrifying uncertainty. Raelynn was born with her eyes sealed shut, and her skin was described as translucent — stark reminders of her fragility. “It was very unreal,” Kubiske reflected, sharing the shock of witnessing their daughter’s arrival under such precarious circumstances. Mere moments following Winnekens’ C-section, doctors feared for Raelynn’s life, and the family was urged to say their goodbyes. However, they bravely chose to advocate for their daughter’s survival.
“Dr. O, do everything in your power to help save her,” the family implored, igniting a determined fight for Raelynn’s life. Dr. Onyelobi, who had treated many premature infants, emphasised that Raelynn’s case was particularly dire. “This became a life and death situation,” she recalled.
Winnekens, who suffers from lupus, faced her own health challenges during the pregnancy. She was admitted to the hospital three weeks prior to Raelynn’s birth due to severe complications, including heart and kidney issues. Despite her own dire health, Winnekens insisted that her medical team do all they could to save Raelynn. “I need you to do everything in your power to give my baby a chance at life,” she urged Dr. Onyelobi.
The path to survival was fraught with challenges as Raelynn spent her first year battling numerous health issues, including undergoing open-heart surgery. When it came time for her to leave the hospital on July 28, 2026, many hoped that she was finally out of the woods. However, the journey was far from over. Now, at 13 months old and weighing 18 pounds, Raelynn requires round-the-clock care from her parents.
Meanwhile, Winnekens faces a daunting journey of her own. She disclosed that her kidney function has plummeted to 8%, and she may soon require a transplant or risk returning to dialysis. The family’s struggle continues as they navigate these overwhelming health crises together.
Dr. Onyelobi provided insight into Raelynn’s remarkable achievements thus far. She noted that the odds stacked against infants born significantly premature often include various health complications and higher mortality rates. “Raelynn has her work cut out for her,” the doctor stated. “She has beaten several odds to come to this point. Surviving past the first 24 hours, the first month, and now the first year of life is an extraordinary feat.”
The inspiring story of Raelynn has captured the attention of many, leading to the establishment of a GoFundMe campaign to support her and her family financially as they adapt to life outside the hospital and manage ongoing medical needs.
As Raelynn’s journey unfolds, it profoundly illustrates the strength of the human spirit and the lengths to which families will go to support their loved ones through unimaginable challenges. Her story serves as a beacon of hope for others facing similar battles, a reminder that miracles can happen, however small they may be.