Brownsville Mom Shares Her NICU Journey with a Message of Hope

NICU graduate reunites with care team a decade after premature birth

]
BROWNSVILLE, TX – September 30, 2025 – Ten years ago, Azucena Serrano faced one of the most challenging moments of her life when her son Christian was born at just 25 weeks. Overwhelmed with fear and uncertainty, Azucena leaned heavily on the expertise and compassion of the NICU care team at Valley Regional Medical Center to guide her through Christian’s critical early days—and her own emotional journey as a new mother.

“I couldn’t do anything by myself,” Azucena recalled. “He was so tiny, and every little thing I wanted to do as his mother, I needed their help. I am forever grateful to his team.”

Christian spent 98 days in the NICU, where he was closely monitored for brain bleeds and lung development. His care involved continuous support from ventilators and oscillators, and the unwavering attention of a dedicated team.

“Christian was definitely a fighter,” said Annette Sanchez, a registered nurse certified in neonatal intensive care. “He showed incredible strength from the very beginning, and we were honored to be part of his journey.”

Today, Christian is a thriving ten-year-old—healthy, smart, and full of resilience. “He is very thoughtful, generous and always willing to help,” Azucena shared proudly. “He’s curious, brave, and full of life.”

September marks National NICU Awareness Month, a time to honor the strength of premature infants, their families, and the healthcare professionals who care for them.

When asked what advice she would give to parents currently navigating the NICU experience, Azucena offered heartfelt encouragement: “Don’t

give up. Stay strong, stay hopeful. Lean on your care team for any and all concerns you have. Every single one of those people on your baby’s care team loves your baby.”

Valley Regional Medical Center’s Level III NICU, designated by the Texas Department of Health Services, provides specialized care for premature and critically ill infants. Staffed 24/7 by neonatologists, neonatal nurse practitioners, neonatal nurses, and respiratory therapists, the unit is equipped with advanced medical technology to support the tiniest patients.

To learn more about NICU services, visit: https://valleyregionalmedicalcenter.com/service/labor-and-delivery

##

About Valley Regional Medical Center

Valley Regional Medical Center has proudly served the Rio Grande Valley community for 50 years. The full-service, 214-bed-acute-care facility offers services including cardiovascular care, 24/7 neuroendovascular care, general and minimally invasive surgery, orthopedic surgery and rehabilitation services. As an accredited Chest Pain Center and Primary Stroke Center, Valley Regional Medical Center is well-equipped to provide 24/7 emergency treatment to the Brownsville community and surrounding areas. In 2025, the hospital received a Healthgrades Patient Safety Excellence and Surgical Care Excellence Awards. For more information, visit valleyregionalmedicalcenter.com.

About HCA Healthcare Gulf Coast Division

HCA Healthcare Gulf Coast Division is a comprehensive network of hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, emergency centers and diagnostic imaging facilities in greater Houston, Corpus Christi and South Texas. Facilities in the Gulf Coast Division include: 17 acute care and specialty hospitals, 13 ambulatory surgery centers, 24 3D breast imaging centers, 31 freestanding emergency centers, 28 CareNow® urgent care centers, three air ambulances, more than 100 physician practices and a regional transfer center that provides support for patient transfers into and out of HCA Healthcare Gulf Coast Division hospitals as well as access to ground and air transportation within a 150-mile radius. HCA Healthcare Gulf Coast Division is part of HCA Healthcare, one of the nation’s leading providers of healthcare services with 182 hospitals and 2,300+ sites of care, including surgery centers, freestanding ERs, urgent care centers, home health, and physician clinics located in 20 states and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit HCAgulfcoast.com.