Some say miracles don’t happen any more, but a miracle can be seen frolicking around Fannin County parks or football fields almost any given day.
That miracle is two-year-old Tuff Born, the son of Jake and Michaela.
Tuff has already lived up to his name as he came into the world weighing just over a pound at 22 weeks and one day gestation.
To Jake Born’s knowledge, “he’s still top five in the world in terms of being born prematurely.”
Tuff Born entered the world February 19, 2023, just late enough to be resuscitated or worked on. At or before the 22-week mark, doctors do not try to save premature babies.
“He was translucent,” Jake Born said. “You could see straight through him.”
Tuff Born spent several months in Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center in Marietta, Georgia.
“Our community was a big part in helping,” Jake Born said of the support his family received.
The parents said they received an outpouring of compassion from family, friends, and especially the football community, local and beyond.
“I can’t even begin to tell you how appreciative we are,” he said.
Michaela Born said, “We just want to thank everyone from our local community for supporting us during a difficult time and continuing to pray for Tuff.”
Tuff Born suffered strokes and intraventricular hemorrhages or brain bleeds – common in premature babies.
“There were a plethora of things wrong with him,” Jake Born recalled.
Miraculously enough, Tuff made it home without supplemental support.
Jake Born said given the circumstances, “It’s beyond unheard of to come home without supplemental support.”
Of his name, Jake Born said, he and Michaela Born had already decided on it before birth, referencing professional bull rider Tuff
Hedeman.
“I never anticipated he would have to earn it,” Jake Born said of the name.
Today, Tuff Born runs “around as wild as ever,” his father said.