WATCH: 1-pound miracle baby graduates after years of treatment
A toddler who was born a preemie at just 1-pound has graduated from years of medical treatment.
To celebrate Charlie Smith's end of care, first responders and medical staff held a parade and ceremony in Powder Springs, Georgia, on Nov. 1 -- one day before his third birthday.
"He wore his cap and gown and [his nurse] Geunevah handed him a certificate," his mother, Alena Smith, told, "Good Morning America."
Charlie was born at 25 weeks gestation. Doctors gave him a 50% chance for survival and rushed him to the neonatal intensive care unit.
Smith and her husband Wendell's first son, Wendell III, was also born prematurely at 31 weeks at 3 pounds. Smith said besides having preeclampsia during her second pregnancy, she's had no serious health conditions and doctors are unsure as to why the boys arrived so early.
Alena Smith
Charlie Smith was born at 25 weeks gestation in Power Springs, Georgia. Doctors gave him a 50 percent chance for survival, and rushed him to the NICU. Here, he poses with his father, Wendell Smith.
"It was scary," Smith said of Charlie's birth. "Especially since he was much smaller than his brother."
Charlie stayed in the hospital for 328 days.
Alena Smith
To celebrate the end of Charlie Smith's medical care, first responders and medical staff held a parade and ceremony in Powder Springs, Georgia, on Nov. 1 -- one day before his third birthday. Charlie was born a preemie at 1 pound. His brother, Wendell II, 9, met Charlie when he was six months old.
Alena Smith
To celebrate the end of Charlie Smith's medical care, first responders and medical staff held a parade and ceremony in Powder Springs, Georgia, on Nov. 1 -- one day before his third birthday. Charlie was born a preemie at 1 pound.
Because of his underdeveloped lungs, Charlie had a tracheoscopy, which was removed in 2019. He also received therapy at home, including physical, occupational and speech, Charlie's nurse, Geunevah Lafontant from Optimum Pediatric Services, told "GMA."
Tara Harp Photography
Seen in this 2020 Christmas photo are Wendell Smith Jr. and Alena Smith of Powder Springs, Georgia, and their children Wendell III, 9 and Charlie, 3.
Alena Smith
Charlie Smith was born a 1-pound preemie in Powder Springs, Georgia, to parents Alena and Wendell Smith Sr.
"This year, he's considered no longer medically fragile. He met all of his milestones and no longer required tracheotomy or gastronomy," Lafontant said.
To salute his milestones, Cobb County police and fire stations held a curbside celebration for Charlie. The sweet moment was captured on video as first responders' vehicles drove by.
Alena Smith
To celebrate the end of Charlie Smith's medical care, first responders and medical staff held a parade and ceremony in Powder Springs, Georgia, on Nov. 1 -- one day before his third birthday.
Alena Smith
Charlie Smith was born at 25 weeks gestation in Power Springs, Georgia. Doctors gave him a 50 percent chance for survival, and rushed him to the NICU. His brother, Wendell II, was also born premature at 31 weeks weighing 3 pounds.
"It was a bittersweet moment... I have to say goodbye to him, but it was also a good reason to say goodbye," Geunevah said.
Today, Charlie is an active 3-year-old who enjoys playing baseball and wrestling with 9-year-old Wendell.
Alena Smith
To celebrate the end of Charlie Smith's medical care, first responders and medical staff held a parade and ceremony in Powder Springs, Georgia, on Nov. 1 -- one day before his third birthday. Charlie was born a preemie at 1 pound. Charlie Smith was born at 25 weeks gestation
"He was determined to keep up with his big brother," Smith said. "He's a fighter."
Alena Smith
To celebrate the end of Charlie Smith's medical care, first responders and medical staff held a parade in Powder Springs, Georgia, on Nov. 1. Charlie was born a preemie at 1 pound. His brother, Wendell II, 9, met Charlie when he was six months old.
Smith now supports other preemie parents through her organization, Trust Your Strength. She shares her family's story to encourage others, and offers self-care packages to moms in the hospital.