Micro preemie goes home in time for Thanksgiving after 18 months in NICU

WESTCHESTER, New York -- A family in New York has a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving because their 18-month-old is finally heading home after being in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit since she was born.

Leah was born 16 weeks early and weighed just over one pound.

"We're looking forward to waking up with our daughter. We're looking forward to Leah being around the house," her father, Andy Montayes, said.

Leah has been treated for a heart defect, a brain bleed and lung disease.

She's spent the last year at Blythedale Children's Hospital, in Westchester County, being weaned off of a breathing tube while undergoing physical, occupational and feeding therapy.

Leah's personality has emerged despite her medical challenges.

"She's just so strong, and I feel like that's a testament to all of it. She's so strong, she wants to be here. She has fought all this time. She's so positive," her mom Stephanie Macias said.

Leah's parents live in Queens, but they never missed a day at the hospital.

Leah will continue with outpatient therapy, but leaves having hit a major milestone after being born at 24 weeks and heading home weighing 24 pounds.