New technology allowing more micro-preemie babies to be saved at Brisbane hospital

Mum Ashlee Eager is one of several community members supporting Mater Hospital's Day of Giving, crediting staff with saving her micro-preemie baby last year.

Eager said 10-month-old Moira's early arrival was a surprise that sent shockwaves through her family but that doctors fought to keep her alive.

Born at just 23 weeks and weighing 546 grams, Moira spent her first months of life hooked up to machines.

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"I was sitting on the couch and all of a sudden I was like 'um, my water's just broke'", Eager said.

The parents immediately drove an hour from their home in Boonah to the Brisbane hospital.

Moira was given just a 40 per cent chance of survival.

"The obstetrician came in and said 'She's coming, you've got to make a decision,'" Eager said.

"'Do you want to say goodbye or do you want us to fight?'"

"She fit in my hand."

The baby remained in hospital for four months before coming safely home.

Staff from the hospital say 10 years ago it would be rare to provide intensive care for a micro-preemie baby born at 23 weeks. Now, it's relatively commonplace due to new technology and treatments.

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Micro-preemies now have a significantly higher chance of survival.

The procedures are expensive, but made possible in part by community donations.

Today, every donation made to Mater Hospital was tripled by private and corporate donors, with over $1 million, the hospital's original target, reached by 2pm today.

Cancer biology research fellow Dr Jodi Saunus said donations made a huge difference to the hospital's ability to provide effective treatments.

"I work in breast cancer research," Dr Saunus said.

"Without that support, we couldn't pay the rent, we couldn't run the laboratories."

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