ThunderBug was part of John’s hospital experience
While John was receiving hospital care, his family watched Lightning games in the NICU, according to Give2StJoesKids. A stuffed ThunderBug also brought him comfort; FOX 13 Tampa Bay reported that his mother described the toy as something that made him smile. The real mascot visited John at his first birthday celebration and returned during his hospital stay. The foundation account says ThunderBug held him during one visit.
When John left the hospital on September 3, 2024, ThunderBug escorted him out. The foundation says staff from the pediatric intensive care unit lined the hallways for a send-off. It also reported that John was thriving at home and weighed nearly 30 pounds.
A first game after a medical milestone
John attended his first Tampa Bay Lightning game Thursday night, watching with his family from a private suite at Benchmark International Arena arranged by the team, FOX 13 reported. The station also reported that his tracheostomy was removed in June, making the trip possible.
John’s early birth and extended hospital care
John was born on April 17, 2023, at 23 weeks and two days, weighing one pound, six ounces, according to FOX 13 and Give2StJoesKids. The foundation says his parents, Nicole and Jordan, reached 23 weeks before an emergency cesarean delivery. The sources describe the length of his hospital stay somewhat differently: FOX 13 reported 16 months at St. Joseph’s Hospital, while the foundation described nearly 17 months across St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital and St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital.
John experienced repeated medical emergencies during that period. His mother described seven coding episodes in total; FOX 13 reported her account that he coded five more times in the hospital after an initial episode. The foundation also reported that she described seven codes.
