On August 29th, 2007 Ahmad Michael Byrd was born at 6:41am to Mercedes White and Idriss Byrd at Pennsylvania Hospital. He was delivered by Dr. Joshua Johannson by cesearean section at 24 weeks gestation. He came into this world pretty strong to be born so early.
Ahmad was cared for at Pennsylvania Hospital NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) until November 19th, 2007 when he was transfered to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. He was cared for by several wonderful Nurses and doctors at both hospitals during his life. During the 5months and 9 days he spent on this earth he will always be remember for his: cute fat face, his crooked smile (a family trait) his tremendous strength and most of all his fiestiness.
Ahmad's birth date is special because he shares his birthday with his Great Grandfather James and his Aunt Keishia. Ahmad's birthday also marks the sad anniversary of hurricane Katrina that took so many lives in the US.
Ahmad touched many lives during his short stay on earth and overcame and beat the odds many times when doctor's said he wouldn't make it. They said babies born at his age only had a 25% chance of survival but Ahmad amazed the doctor's and his family by fighting for his life so long. His family thanks God for allowing him to live as long as he did. However, God took Ahmad when the fight for his life became too much for him to endure and he could no longer fight the sicknesses that had overcome his body.
On February 7, 2008 his parents were told that Ahmad had taken a turn for the worse and his body was beginning to shut down. It was on this day that his family decided to take him off life support. Ahmad passed away in his mother's arms while holding on to his father's finger. He was surrounded by several loved ones and hospital staff when he passed away at 10:46pm.
Ahmad is preceeded in death and will be greeted in heaven by 2 very special Great-great-great grand mothers Annette Spencer and Malitha Carn who both cared for his mother as a child; His grandfathers Marion Jackson and George White; his cousin Terrance Harris that also passed as a baby and a host of other relatives.
Ahmad leaves behind his parents Mercedes White and Idriss Byrd to celebrate his life; his siblings: Idriss, Jr., Hydia, India, Iyanna and his soon to be born sister Iman. He also leaves behind his grandparents: Yvette McCall-Raucci, Rosa Byrd, Michael White, Dennis Byrd and one Step Grandma Theresa White. His Aunts and Uncles include: Anthony Raucci, Jr., Curita "Keishia" Byrd, Shawn Byrd and Rashida Byrd. He also leaves behind cousins, great aunts, a great uncle and a host of other relatives.