by GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Eighteen years ago, Antonio Bodemann entered the world fighting to survive. This week, he’s preparing to walk across the stage at Jenison High School’s graduation — a moment filled with pride, gratitude, and an extraordinary story that reaches all the way to Wyoming.
Born at just 24 weeks gestation and weighing only 1 pound, 10 ounces, Antonio faced overwhelming odds in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. That’s where he met Janet Taylor, a dedicated nurse who would become much more than a caregiver.
“He was born with every system underdeveloped — his lungs, digestive system, neurosystem — everything,” said Taylor, who has worked at the hospital for 34 years.
Taylor formed a close bond with Antonio and his mother, Hope, who was just 27 years old when she was diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer — two months after Antonio’s birth. Despite her illness, Hope remained determined to spend as much time with her son as possible, and the nurses helped make that happen.
“By the time Antonio was about three months old, he was stable enough to visit her room,” Taylor recalled. “He was off the ventilator, and we would bring him over on her tough days.”
As Hope’s condition worsened, Antonio began staying at Taylor’s home while his mother received treatments. Recognizing the love and stability Taylor’s family provided, Hope made a heartfelt request: she asked them to adopt her son.
“When she asked us, it was a bit surprising, especially since some of her family was starting to get involved,” Taylor said. “But she knew we had built a bond with him.”
After Hope’s passing when Antonio was just over a year old, Taylor officially became his mother.
“It brings back a lot of emotion,” she said. “But I’m incredibly proud of him. Hope would be proud too. He’s overcome so much.”
Now, Antonio is preparing to graduate high school, and he says he owes everything to Janet.
“Best mom ever,” Antonio said. “There’s nothing that compares to what she did for me — it changed my life.”
The baby blanket that once kept him warm in the NICU still remains his good luck charm — a symbol of how far he’s come. Despite a premature birth and early health struggles, Antonio found his stride in athletics.
“I started running track in my sophomore year,” he said. “I wasn’t great at first, but I trained with my coach and kept improving.”
From the NICU to the track, and from uncertain beginnings to a hopeful future, Antonio’s journey — and the love that carried him through it — has touched hearts across Michigan and as far as Wyoming, where similar stories of resilience continue to inspire.
“I see Antonio as a miracle,” Taylor said. “And we’re just so thankful to celebrate this milestone.”
