Dylan Grace Hoffman

From the moment she entered the world, Dylan Grace Hoffman was the tiniest and most tenacious little girl Kalamazoo, Michigan had ever seen. On March 31, 2019, Dylan decided she couldn’t wait to see the world and made her dramatic entrance: feet first, 2 pounds 10 ounces, and 12 weeks premature. Her parents chose to name her Dylan because they knew she needed a strong name. But her middle name, Grace, was to show the source of her strength: Christ’s power in us. Dylan conquered 72 days in the NICU, continuing to do things in her own time and in her own way. The nurses lovingly referred to her as “Princess Dylan,” as she stubbornly chose when to eat, breathe, and pull vital tubes off her body. Her family and friends spoke of Dylan as a “fighter” — her two-pound body enduring countless pokes, eye exams, and appointments.

Dylan was a tough spirit in a precious package. With dad’s long eyelashes and mom’s generous smiles, everyone who met Dylan would stop to comment on her radiant beauty. Despite her early arrival, Dylan continued to meet milestones. She was a “tummy-time champion,” slept like a grown adult with arms above her head, and absolutely loved to be held. Dylan didn’t settle for swings or gadgets, but insisted on the loving arms of mom and dad. Her favorite song was “He’s Got the Whole World in his Hands,” and she especially loved when daddy made up his own lyrics. Anyone who babysat for Dylan knew that instructions included three sections: eating, sleeping and puking. Sweet Dylan’s reflux meant that she rarely wore clothes and all her blankets became burp cloths.

Dylan was an extraordinary baby, arriving 12 weeks premature, then contracting an even rarer illness after four and a half months: late onset group B strep meningitis. She continued to fight, but after two weeks in the PICU, the Lord called her home to snuggle in His arms. In Dylan’s short time here, she was showered with love from family, friends, doctors and nurses. She had a whole army fighting with her and advocating for her. Dylan’s parents spent more time with her in the hospital than at their house, but anywhere Dylan was felt like home. She challenged her mom and dad to be better people, and Lord willing, better parents one day. She taught them to be more like Christ, dying to themselves each day and loving unconditionally. Every heart that knew Dylan grew softer, and as we loved her, she showed us a glimpse of the love our Heavenly Father has for us. Dylan’s story taught us all to love louder, live bolder, and trust deeply in God. Though her time on earth was short, the impact she made on her parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends, doctors, nurses and thousands of praying strangers is eternal. Anyone who knew Dylan Grace Hoffman has a bigger heart for it...and more gray hairs.

Dylan’s life was celebrated on Friday September 13th, 3pm, at Valley Family Church’s Cathedral with food and fellowship following. Memorial contributions may be made to the March of Dimes or Group B Strep International.

Dylan's parents, Erik and Kalyn Hoffman, are so thankful for everyone who was a part of Dylans story.