2025 Annual Report

ADVANCEMENT & TECHNOLOGY

forms of ventilation, medications and numerous central lines. All experienced their own medical challenges as well. “There were so many times we were so close to losing one of them,” Becca said. “But I kept saying ‘We came in with four, and we’re taking four home.’ We were going to do whatever it took to get there.” Over the next five months, the quads received 24/7 care and monitoring. Becca rarely left their side, while Lavareis juggled work and taking care of the older kids, Kendall, Laikyn and Kainen, and visits to Birmingham. Little by little, the quads began to grow and improve. The numerous machines that kept them alive were slowly taken away as the quads’ own strength took over. In November, they were all stable enough to be transferred down to the UAB Continuing Care Nursery, a milestone for RNICU babies. Shortly after, the Bryants received news they were unsure they would ever hear — the babies were ready to go home. There were so many times we were so close to losing one of them, but I kept saying ‘We came in with four, and we’re taking four home.’ We were going to do whatever it took to get there.”

“In the span of a month, all four babies were discharged, right in time for Christmas at home,” Becca said. “It was surreal leaving a place that had become our second home and the staff who had become like family.”

GUINNESS WORLD RECORD HOLDERS

When Travers first met the Bryants, he discussed the risk, complications and chances of survival for babies born at 23 weeks. He also realized he did not know of another instance where quads were born that early and all four babies survived. As part of their delivery and care team, he and his colleagues in the UAB RNICU spent the next six months tirelessly working to help the babies survive and thrive. Travers, who is also an associate professor in the UAB Department of Pediatrics, secretly continued his research into the records of extremely premature babies.

BECCA BRYANT (MOM)

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CHILDREN’S OF ALABAMA | UAB MEDICINE