Tre Howell: Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia

Cala Taylor was diagnosed with preeclampsia which caused her to go into labor extremely preterm. At 26 weeks gestation in February 2023, Cala and Terry Howell, Jr., welcomed their son, Terry “Tre” Howell, III, who weighed 1 pound, 10 ounces at birth.

Tre was intubated to help him breathe and spent the first four months of his life at his birth hospital, but he needed the expert care only Le Bonheur’s Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) could provide.

Once 4-month-old Tre arrived at Le Bonheur, he was given noninvasive oxygen and steroids to treat laryngomalacia, a condition where weak, floppy tissue falls into the airway.

Tre Howell was born at 26 weeks gestation and weighed less than 2 pounds.

“When we first got to Le Bonheur, Dr. Weems made me feel comfortable and did a great job explaining Tre’s care and what to expect,” Cala said.

Tre was diagnosed with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), a chronic lung disease often seen in premature babies without fully developed lungs, which is one of the most common conditions for babies in Le Bonheur’s NICU.

To best meet the needs of BPD patients like Tre, a dedicated Center for Lung Development is part of the NICU expansion. Patients receive care from a multidisciplinary team to optimize their growth and development.

During Tre’s time at Le Bonheur, Cala worked with a case management team to help her understand and process what was happening with her baby, including when he needed surgery to have a G-tube placed so he could eat.

Cala was also able to attend a G-tube class at Le Bonheur and receive specialized training from nurses, so she was better prepared to care for Tre at home upon discharge.

Terry Howell, Jr., and Cala Taylor are grateful for the care their son, Tre, received in Le Bonheur’s NICU for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).

After spending the first 13 months of his life in the hospital — nine of those at Le Bonheur — Tre reached an important milestone that his family had been looking forward to for months. Tre was able to go home for the first time.

“We are so grateful for the care Tre received,” Cala said. “Le Bonheur has helped him reach so many milestones that I never thought would be possible. I’m looking forward to seeing him meet many more developmental milestones in the future.”

Tre’s Le Bonheur journey does not end with his discharge. He will receive follow-up care from a pulmonologist and a G-tube specialist to ensure he continues to thrive.