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A Remarkable Cooperative Effort in Health Care: The Story of Baby Jay’ce

Medical miracles often occur through remarkable teamwork, and one inspiring case involved a little boy named Jay’ce. Before he could take his first breath, over 30 healthcare professionals worked diligently to ensure his survival during a particularly perilous moment of his birth.

On October 7, 2025, at Memorial Regional Hospital and the Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital, a groundbreaking procedure known as the EXIT (Ex Utero Intrapartum Treatment) was performed. This specialized method is rarely utilized and less than a hundred such procedures occur annually in the U.S. The unique challenges surrounding Jay’ce's birth required an unprecedented level of collaboration among specialists, nurses, and surgical staff, all of whom quickly mobilized to implement a plan to save his life.

A Life-Threatening Diagnosis

In the womb, baby Jay’ce was diagnosed with a massive 6-centimeter neck mass that posed a significant risk to his airway. The gravity of the situation was overwhelming—if the mass obstructed his airway upon delivery, he would be unable to breathe, making the timing of the procedure critical.

The EXIT Procedure

During an EXIT procedure, the obstetric team partially delivers the baby while maintaining placental support via the umbilical cord. Baby Jay’ce remained attached to his mother, Julie, ensuring that he continued to receive oxygen while the medical team prepared to address the imminent airway obstruction. The cesarean section started with a coordinated effort to ensure that Baby Jay’ce's airway was secured before completing the delivery.

Specialists from various fields—Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Pediatric General Surgery, Pediatric ENT Surgery, Anesthesiology, and more—worked in concert to ensure Jay’ce's safety. Each team member played a crucial role, and the necessary precision required for the procedure called for exceptional timing and communication. An ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) team was also present, ready to provide any vital support required.

Thanks to their collective expertise and teamwork, the medical professionals successfully intubated Jay’ce, allowing him to take his first breaths as the umbilical cord was cut, completing the delivery. One month later, the life-threatening tumor was surgically removed, allowing Jay’ce to thrive.

A Year Later: Celebrating Life

Fast forward to October 7, 2026, exactly one year after baby Jay’ce's extraordinary entrance into the world, a reunion took place that encapsulated the journey of resilience and survival. Jay’ce, now a vibrant one-year-old, returned with his mother to celebrate his first birthday, joined by the medical team that had worked tirelessly to save him.

For Julie, the occasion held deep meaning; she reflected on the tumultuous experience of her first pregnancy and the overwhelming odds faced during those critical moments. "It was a tough battle from the moment I was first told that my baby wasn't going to make it. I’m just so blessed to be able to look at my baby. He’s here, he’s strong, he fought everything," expressed a grateful Julie.

The reunion wasn't just a celebration but also a powerful reminder of the profound impact that collaborative healthcare can have. As the caregivers gathered around him to help him blow out his birthday candle, it was evident that their collective efforts had ushered in a new life—one full of hope and resilience.

The Significance of Multidisciplinary Care

Dr. Moiz Mustafa, Co-Medical Director of the Fetal Medicine Program at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital, emphasized that this case stands as a testament to the lifesaving synergy fostered within the healthcare community. It highlights the ongoing commitment of the Memorial Healthcare System to extend its reach and effectiveness beyond just Broward County, potentially serving as a model for similar cases in the future.

The success of baby Jay’ce’s delivery and recovery echoes a significant truth in medicine: together, a team can achieve incredible outcomes. And as this family celebrated with their caregivers, they forged a connection that goes beyond clinical care; they established a bond of humanity, a reflection of hope, and an affirmation of life.