Preemie celebrates first birthday at home after 252 days in hospital

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Most people would agree birthdays are a very happy time and for one special little girl, her birthday was a big milestone.

One-year-old Ava Grace was a preemie and spent 252 days of the past year in the hospital.

Her parents said she has had multiple surgeries and some doctors were pessimistic about her recovery, but yesterday she celebrated her first birthday.