The Woman Who Gives Parents Hope

Danielle Vassell survived against the odds after being born weighing just 590 grams. She shares her desire to live a life that inspires others, and gives hope to parents of babies born prematurely

As Christmas approaches, and the story of the birth of Jesus takes centre stage, I’m reminded of my entry into the world 27 years ago.

I was born weighing 590grams (1lb 4oz) and given a 0–5% chance of survival. However, due to the prayers of believers in the UK, India and Jamaica, I defied the odds and, after five months in hospital, I was allowed home.

Every Christmas is precious to me, as I’m reminded again and again of God’s goodness in answering people’s prayers and allowing me to live so I can be all that He has called me to be.

Although I survived my premature birth, I do feel it affected me whilst growing up. I lacked confidence in myself because of my low birth weight which impacted my school life. I was quiet and didn’t stick up for myself when I was bullied. I was slow to respond to answers in class.

I was also very slim, and people often compared my size to those of my friends and family members. This comparison discouraged me for a long time and made me wonder if my premature birth had negatively impacted me. I also wondered if I should stop sharing my experience with others.

It wasn’t until high school that I gained confidence and found my voice. I was elected to be on the School Council by my Deputy Headteacher. She also asked me to speak at a Croydon Councillors’ meeting where I received an award. And, whilst studying business at college, I was elected twice to represent course students; I got to interview vice principal candidates, as well as represent students at committee meetings.

I started to realise my potential because someone else had seen skills in me that I hadn’t seen in myself and encouraged me to use them. I went on to complete my university studies and obtained a business management degree.

Faith has played an important role in my life. I became a Christian as a child and was baptised at seven. Although my faith walk hasn’t been easy, God has kept me. He has remained faithful and has never forsaken me.

My faith has made me realise I can do anything in Christ who strengthens me, and when I leave everything in God’s hands He’ll make everything fall into place. 

Aside from being a voice for others whilst at college, I have sought to sow into others. I have done so in numerous ways – whether it’s providing media platforms for people to make their voice heard, to recording my short film Defying The ODDS, where Black young women share their journeys of overcoming adversity. It came seventh in an Apple and iTunes charts (for top short films released from 2016-2020). I have also shared my testimony about my premature birth to inspire others.

In July, I publishedRebecca the Courageous Tot – an illustrated book, written to be a resource for parents with prematurely-born children in Neo-Natal Intensive Care Units (NICUs). 

As part of the promotion, I visited the NICU at Northampton Hospital in August to personally deliver my book, meet the staff, visit the whole facility, and speak to parents. 

A special highlight for me was meeting parents, whose son Arthur was in the NICU because he’d been born prematurely. I shared my story of being born prematurely to Arthur’s mum and gave them a copy of my book.

They were greatly encouraged, and before I left, Arthur’s father, holding him to his chest, looked down and said: “Son, if Danielle made it, so will you.” As you can imagine, I was overjoyed as that’s exactly what my book is about: giving people faith and hope, and inspiring them to speak life into difficult situations.

In November, I will be reading my book at an online Zoom meeting, being held on World Prematurity Day, to inspire parents at a Neonatal Unit in Toronto.

Just like our Lord Jesus Christ, it’s my desire to give hope, to encourage, and to show parents that their babies – although born prematurely – can grow up to live a fulfilled life. I’m a living testimony that it’s possible.

Our gift will make room for us and bring us before great men (Proverbs 18:16). 

DANIELLE VASSELL

Motivational speaker and children’s author. Follow on Instagram @danielle_vassell