Jena, March 18, 2026. A boy from Ronneburg, born much too early, is fighting for his life at the Universitätsklinikum Jena. After weeks in the intensive care unit and support from the Ronald McDonald Haus, there is now hope for little Pars.
- Who: Premature baby Pars and his parents Bünyamin and Selma
- What: Birth in the 30th week of pregnancy (1,020 grams, 35 centimeters)
- When: Born on December 30, 2025, followed by 62 days in the intensive care unit
- Where: Universitätsklinikum Jena and Ronald McDonald Haus Jena
A difficult start to life
The due date was actually calculated for March 5, 2026. However, Pars was born as early as December 30, 2025, in the 30th week of pregnancy at the Universitätsklinikum Jena. With a birth weight of only 1,020 grams and a height of 35 centimeters, a hard struggle began for the newborn. The boy had to receive medical care in the intensive care unit for a total of 62 days.
Shortly after birth, doctors also diagnosed a brain hemorrhage, the long-term consequences of which are not yet fully foreseeable. A recent hearing test showed that the right ear is functioning well, while the functionality of the left ear remains unclear.
Support far from home
For the parents Bünyamin and Selma, the situation was a particular emotional challenge. The family moved from Istanbul (Turkey) to Germany only about 14 months ago and now lives in Ronneburg in Eastern Thuringia, where the father works. Since all relatives still reside in Turkey, there was initially no local family network. In Istanbul, the father himself worked as a nurse, which gave him a certain basic medical understanding of the situation.
During the difficult weeks in the hospital, the Ronald McDonald Haus in Jena became an important refuge for the family. The facility offers accommodation in the immediate vicinity of the clinic for parents of seriously ill children. There, Bünyamin and Selma found not only a temporary home but also emotional support from the medical staff and exchange with other affected families from the region.
Background: Care for premature babies in Jena
The Universitätsklinikum Jena (UKJ) in the district of Lobeda is certified as a so-called Level 1 Perinatal Center. This represents the highest level of care for premature and newborn babies in Germany. Here, particularly small premature babies weighing less than 1,250 grams or those with serious illnesses are cared for by an interdisciplinary team of specialists. Facilities such as the Ronald McDonald Haus, located near the clinic, play a crucial role in the psychosocial care of families. Studies show that the immediate proximity and presence of parents significantly and positively influence the healing process and development of premature babies.
Source:
Little Thuringian born much too early – then his fight for life begins
Transparency note: This article was created automatically, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.