The Houston Astros have the smallest player in the league in Jose Altuve, now they have the smallest fan.
Ayah Rideau, born prematurely on Sept. 18 at just 22 weeks and five days, weighs in at one pound and 13 ounces as she sits in an incubator covered in Astros gear at The Woman’s Hospital of Texas in Houston.
Ayah has been fighting to stay alive since her birth, when she weighed in at one pound, three ounces and was diagnosed with necrotizing enterocolitis — a serious intestinal disease found in premature babies — and had tumors discovered in her heart, according to Good Morning America.
She was immediately intubated, placed on a ventilator and fed through a tube, but a month later she is now providing inspiration.
Ayah had her breathing tube removed earlier this week, and is nearing the completion of a successful treatment for the necrotizing enterocolitis.
Ayah’s mother, Dawn Rideau, is also making sure her daughter is experiencing the Astros fever sweeping through Houston as the team tries to win its second World Series in three years.
Dawn has Astros sippy cups and onesies waiting for Ayah, as well as a 2017 replica World Series ring snuggly fit over Ayah’s foot.
The natal intensive care unit has also joined in on the World Series spirit, too, wearing Astros gear around the hospital.
Ayah’s grandmother, Sonya Rideau sees similarities between Ayah and the team.
“You don’t know what small could do,” she told Good Morning America. “It’s a powerful message, being small. She’s doing it. Altuve’s doing it. So, yay Astros.”
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