Parents say farewell to newborn as life support is turned off – then he starts breathing on his own

Pregnancy and childbirth are life-changing experiences, filled with hope and the wish for a healthy baby. But for one mother, the experience turned into a nightmare when her newborn son, Karson, was born with severe medical complications. What followed was a heart-wrenching journey that tested the limits of science and faith.

Karson, born to Chelsea, faced challenges from the moment he entered the world. His grandmother, Lisa Hough, shared their story, recounting how the little boy suffered from two rare and unrelated conditions: a hemorrhage in his left temporal lobe and a genetic metabolic disorder known as Non-Ketotic Hyperglycinemia (NKH).

This disorder severely impacts neurological development, meaning Karson was expected to have significant impairments, with doctors predicting that he would never develop beyond the level of a 2-3 month old.

Faced with this grim prognosis, Chelsea was forced to make the unthinkable decision—to take Karson off life support. According to the medical staff, Karson’s chances of survival were slim. They told the family to prepare for the worst, expecting Karson’s heart to stop within ten minutes of withdrawing intensive care. It was a painful and difficult moment, as his family braced themselves for their final goodbye.

But then something extraordinary happened.

Defying all medical expectations, Karson began to breathe on his own after the ventilator was removed. His heart rate stabilized, and his oxygen levels were normal. Five hours later, Karson was still fighting—a miracle, according to his family and the doctors who had been certain there was no hope.

Lisa shared her joy and disbelief, saying there was no medical explanation for Karson’s survival. She and her daughter witnessed what they believe was a miracle in real time. “He is breathing unassisted. He is swallowing. He is surviving,” Lisa wrote, describing how Karson had even opened his eyes briefly. While they still don’t know how long they’ll have with him, every day is a gift they are treasuring.

On March 1, the family received the incredible news that Karson would be going home. The emotions were overwhelming, and Lisa expressed her deep gratitude for the blessing they had been given. Karson’s story has since touched the hearts of thousands, with over 30,000 people reacting to Lisa’s posts celebrating his miraculous recovery.

We encourage you to share your thoughts and prayers for Karson and his family in the comments below. What do you think of this incredible journey? Have you ever witnessed or experienced something you’d describe as a miracle? Let’s hear your stories and reflections!