Eight-month-old Journey Ossenkopp is heading home today after being born at just 24 weeks and overcoming serious complications from her premature birth.

Journey weighed little more than a pound when she was born. In her first weeks of life, she was diagnosed with patent ductus arteriosus, a congenital heart condition in which an artery does not close at birth.

Her lungs were also not fully developed, leading to a diagnosis of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Journey initially needed a high-flow nasal cannula but has since been weaned to room air.

She still requires an NG tube to ensure she receives the nutrition she needs.

Her parents, Jesse and Danaies, received training through Blythedale Children’s Hospital’s Parent and Family Education program to learn how to care for Journey at home.

Her Nov. 2 discharge comes as Blythedale marks Prematurity Awareness Month and celebrates the progress of children born prematurely.