A tiny baby born far too soon is now preparing to go home after surviving against overwhelming odds, in a journey that has touched everyone around him.

Brilyn was born on March 7 at just 25 weeks gestation, weighing only 1 lb 6 oz and measuring 11 inches long. From the very beginning, his life was a fight.

Shortly after birth at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, Brilyn developed a serious infection in his abdomen. At just three weeks old, he was transferred to Children’s Hospital in Omaha, where doctors monitored him closely, hoping to avoid surgery for as long as possible.

But his condition worsened.

In the picture with the dark spot on his stomach that is pig skin they used after his surgery to close him because some of the tissue was also infected

Eventually, doctors made the difficult decision that emergency surgery was his only chance. The risks were devastating — Brilyn was given only a 10–15% chance of survival.

In a heartbreaking moment, his sister was allowed to visit him before the operation, as his family prepared for the worst.

During surgery, doctors removed half of Brilyn’s bowels that had become infected and damaged, along with surrounding tissue. Because of the severity of his condition, his intestines were left fragile, and he now has a colostomy bag while doctors plan for another surgery when he is older.

To help close his abdomen after the operation, surgeons even used a special graft when parts of his tissue could not be saved.

Through it all, Brilyn kept fighting.

His family held onto hope, surrounded by prayers and strength during the most difficult days. They also found comfort in believing that he was being watched over by a special guardian angel — a beloved family member who had passed away just months before his birth.

“We were pushed beyond what we thought we could handle,” a family member shared. “But somehow, Brilyn kept showing us he wasn’t ready to give up — and neither were we.”

Against all expectations, Brilyn pulled through.

Now, after weeks of uncertainty, there is finally hope on the horizon. He has recently passed his car seat test — a big milestone for premature babies — and doctors are preparing everything for him to go home, if his progress continues.

“Every small step feels like a miracle,” his family said. “We’re so grateful for the doctors, the prayers, and everyone who stood by us. Brilyn is our little fighter.”