Even at six years old Evan Cavagnaro knows how tough life can be. Born four months premature, Evan's parents weren't sure if he'd survive his first night.

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Just like riding a bike, life can be an uphill climb.

"You just have to be thankful for what you get, the good and the bad,” said Evan.

Even at six years old Evan Cavagnaro knows how tough life can be.

“He was 23 weeks and six days,” said Melissa Cavagnaro, Evan’s mother.

Born four months premature, Evan's parents weren't sure if he'd survive his first night.

Evan’s father John Cavagnaro said, "The doctors even said it would be reasonable to pull the plug and we've done everything we could for him."

At one pound four ounces, Evan’s chances weren't good. In 2005 babies in Evan’s condition were rarely treated because their chances of survival were so poor. Despite the prognosis, Evan was placed on advanced life support. A month later he developed a staph infection, a large abscess grew on his liver and surgery was his only hope.

“Because he was so small and fragile and on a ventilator still, he probably would not make it through the surgery either,” said Melissa.

Dr. Carl D'Angio at Golisano Children’s Hospital was brought to help with Evan’s surgery. He said amazingly the procedure went well.

“It turned out to be very easy to do we all breathed a sigh of relief,” said Dr. D’Angio.

Four ounces of fluid was drained from Evan’s body. It seemed this baby had finally turned a corner.

“He's been through so much that he's a strong little boy and he's going to make it,” said Melissa.

Focusing on Evan’s health was actually therapeutic for the Cavagnaros. Eleven hours after Evan was born his twin brother Ian died. His lungs couldn't bear the burden of such an early birth.

John said, "It is difficult at times, but we love him and he is a memory, and our child."

It's been a bumpy ride for Evan. He's needed physical and occupational therapy and is blind in one eye. Six years after leaving the NICU, he's in first grade, keeping up with other kids his age.

“He's just amazing,” said Melissa.

Proof, his parents said, that every life has a purpose.

John said, “I think it's a daily thing. I think we count our blessings every day."