Mother, Child Meet And Thank NICU Nurse Who Helped Save Early Arrival

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FORT WORTH (CBS11) – A mother full of gratitude and her 3-year-old boy, finally had the opportunity to say "thank you" to the NICU nurse at Cook Children's Hospital that helped save the boy's life.

of San Angelo says she gave birth to her son, Hunter when she was only 28 weeks pregnant.

"I had him in the back of an ambulance," Smith said.

The family was quickly airlifted to Cook Children's where the staff got to work trying to save little Hunter's life.

Today, Hunter is thriving. He is an energetic 3-year-old full of life and promise, and now for the first time, the family is meeting with the woman they say is responsible for his well-being.

An emotional Smith said, "Ginger is amazing. From the minute I got here she made me feel welcomed and made me feel like this was going to turn out good."

She is referring to Ginger Hull, the NICU nurse the family credits with bringing Hunter back to health.

Smith, Hunter and Hull all hugged for the first time earlier this week at Cook Children's.

"I was overwhelmed and excited," Hull said about the reunion.

Hull and Hunter played and laughed for about an hour as Hunter's mother watched.

Smith added, ""I'm grateful. I am blessed. I am in awe of how well he is doing."

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