After open-chest surgery for pectus excavatum, Cody becomes unstoppable
Cody is an active baseball player and fisherman who will go head-to-head with an 8-pound bass any day of the week. But when Cody's cardiologist told him he’d likely need to have his chest opened up for surgery, he admits it sounded terrifying.
Read more about After open-chest surgery for pectus excavatum, Cody becomes unstoppable
Makinzie’s fight to overcome
Richard and Kate were flying home from a trip to Chicago when Kate went into early labor. She was just shy of 6 months pregnant.
Read more about Makinzie’s fight to overcome
Cystic fibrosis won’t define Kinsey's future
In many ways, Kinsey’s first year has been just what her parents, Lindsey and Cory, expected it to be. Her birth and delivery were free of any complications, and she remained in the 95th percentile for height and weight. She spends most of her waking hours cruising around her house, chasing her big sister Brynley and checking out the dog bowls to see if they’ve left anything behind. But, because of a genetic condition, her day-to-day routines to manage her disease set her apart from her peers. They involve breathing treatments and daily medications that will likely be a part of her regimen for the rest of her life, but her family is determined to not let it define her future.
Read more about Cystic fibrosis won't define Kinsey's future
Siblings with cystic fibrosis share a special bond
Sebastian, or "Bash," as his family and friends call him, is an active young boy who makes friends easily, says what’s on his mind and is the happiest when he’s swimming or running around with friends. He recently joined the track team and was determined to do his absolute best – even if he was the smallest and youngest competitor in the field.
Read more about Siblings with cystic fibrosis share a special bond
Ava isn’t letting open heart surgeries stand in her way
Ava doesn’t remember her first two open-heart surgeries, which took place before her first birthday. But she won’t forget her third heart surgery and neither will her surgeon, Robert Jaquiss, M.D., Division Director of Pediatric and Congenital Cardiothoracic Surgery, Co-Director of The Heart Center at Children’s HealthSM and Professor at UT Southwestern Medical Center. That’s because the surgery, which took place in 2021, made Ava one of the first patients to receive a groundbreaking heart valve that could lead to a new chapter in medical history.
Read more about Ava isn’t letting open heart surgeries stand in her way
Emerson shows her strength and grace as a heart warrior
For Emerson, 2021 was a momentous year: She had her third open heart surgery, and she was finally able to go to ballet class with her big sister – a day she had been dreaming about for what seemed like most of her life. And while Emerson continues to perfect her plies and pirouettes on the dance floor, her parents and a team of experts at Children's Health℠ are working together behind the scenes to ensure this little ballerina can twirl and spin to her heart’s content.
Read more about Emerson shows her strength and grace as a heart warrior
Health & Wellness Library
Patient Stories
Article
Cody is an active baseball player and fisherman who will go head-to-head with an 8-pound bass any day of the week. But when Cody's cardiologist told him he’d likely need to have his chest opened up for surgery, he admits it sounded terrifying.
Article
In spring 2016, Sandra Hernandez took her 10-year-old daughter Abby for her annual check-up. There, the physician shared that her daughter’s glucose levels were high. With a long family history of diabetes, Sandra knew it was time to act. She wanted to give her daughter more control over her health.
Article
Richard and Kate were flying home from a trip to Chicago when Kate went into early labor. She was just shy of 6 months pregnant.
Article
As parents, you always want what's best for your child. In Sheryl and Savio's case, they wanted what was best for both their babies – twin boys born prematurely. Dominic and Joshua were born at 35 weeks and weighed only 3.5 pounds each. After two weeks in the neonatal intensive care unit, the boys were finally strong enough to go home.
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Alexander the Great was a celebrated warrior in Greece. In fact, the name "Alexander" means "defender of men" and "fighter," and because of this, one determined boy in Dallas is aptly-named.
Article
Saikrishna's family is used to doing things together. That's why when the 12-year-old was diagnosed with high cholesterol, his family took the medical discovery seriously and, most importantly, pulled together as a team.
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Things have changed since Tamika was a child. Back then, she says making healthy choices wasn't a priority. "Granny didn't allow us in the kitchen," she remembers. "This generation is much wiser, though." Her daughter Tanaya is a great example. Since graduating from Get Up & Go, she has encouraged her entire family to rethink their eating and exercise habits.
Article
When Lainey was just 3 years old, her mom, Shannon, noticed she had blood in her urine. Sensing something was wrong, she brought Lainey to her pediatrician who suspected she might have a bladder or urinary tract infection. But after three weeks of negative cultures and no relief from her symptoms, Lainey was referred to the Pediatric Nephrology Department at Children's Health in search of answers.
Article
Sebastian, or "Bash," as his family and friends call him, is an active young boy who makes friends easily, says what’s on his mind and is the happiest when he’s swimming or running around with friends. He recently joined the track team and was determined to do his absolute best – even if he was the smallest and youngest competitor in the field.
Article
Carmen has always been a go-getter. As a young child, she was committed to karate and loved being outside. She enjoyed art and movies and was involved in more school and community activities than you can count on one hand.
Article
Despite being born five weeks early, Davis appeared to be a healthy and strong baby boy. But soon after going home, his parents, Anna and Frankie, noticed that Davis appeared to be showing signs of jaundice. When Davis stopped eating, the new parents brought their son to an emergency room in Fort Worth.
Article
Manuel remembers the moment he realized that his baby girl born with a cleft lip and palate would be okay.
"As soon as we met her surgeon, we knew she was in the best hands possible," Manuel says.
James Seaward, M.D., plastic and craniofacial surgeon at Children’s Health and Assistant Professor of Pediatric Plastic and Craniofacial Surgery at UT Southwestern, met Manuel and his wife, Belinda, after an ultrasound revealed the cleft lip and palate. Their baby, Wendy, would need surgery to repair it.
Article
In many ways, Kinsey’s first year has been just what her parents, Lindsey and Cory, expected it to be. Her birth and delivery were free of any complications, and she remained in the 95th percentile for height and weight. She spends most of her waking hours cruising around her house, chasing her big sister Brynley and checking out the dog bowls to see if they’ve left anything behind. But, because of a genetic condition, her day-to-day routines to manage her disease set her apart from her peers. They involve breathing treatments and daily medications that will likely be a part of her regimen for the rest of her life, but her family is determined to not let it define her future.
Article
When Valerie was only a little more than halfway through her pregnancy with twins, Cruz and Cristiano, she began experiencing serious complications.
Article
Ava doesn’t remember her first two open-heart surgeries, which took place before her first birthday. But she won’t forget her third heart surgery and neither will her surgeon, Robert Jaquiss, M.D., Division Director of Pediatric and Congenital Cardiothoracic Surgery, Co-Director of The Heart Center at Children’s HealthSM and Professor at UT Southwestern Medical Center. That’s because the surgery, which took place in 2021, made Ava one of the first patients to receive a groundbreaking heart valve that could lead to a new chapter in medical history.
Article
In February 2019, Caitlin and her husband, Edwin, were excited to learn they would be adopting a baby boy. That excitement mixed with some fear when their son was diagnosed in utero with a bilateral cleft lip. Caitlin and Edwin did a great deal of research about caring for babies with cleft lips prior to his birth, but Caitlin says she still worried that her "motherly instincts" wouldn't kick in. Within seconds after their son Joseph's birth, however, those fears quickly vanished.
Article
From the day she was born Katie has shown everyone exactly what a warrior looks like. Born in May 2015, at just under 30 weeks with her twin, Stella, Katie was diagnosed with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia shortly after birth which progressed to chronic respiratory failure and chronic lung disease. She spent the first eight months of her life in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at a local hospital and relied on a ventilator to help her breathe and a gastrostomy tube (G-tube) for her nutritional needs.
Video
When Diego saw his first hockey match at just 11 years old, he knew immediately he wanted to skate. Even now, five years later, Diego remembers the very first time his rental skates hit the ice during an open skate.
Article
Olivia was 26 weeks pregnant when she learned that her unborn son, Noah, had hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), a congenital heart defect critically affecting the left side of his heart.
Article
At 13 years old, Zeke's life has already been full of adventure. He spent most of his early years living in a remote mountain village in Papua New Guinea as the child of missionaries. He enjoyed an active childhood, running through fields and mountain trails with his siblings and friends and playing sports, like football.
Article
Imagine throwing up three or more times an hour, for days at a time, and reliving that experience every two months for no apparent reason. Add to that severe nausea and excessive sweating along with pain, dizziness, light sensitivity and headaches, and you have a peek inside Jasmin's world. Jasmin is 12 years old and has a gastrointestinal condition called cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS).
Article
Michele's pregnancy with their first-born daughter, Mia, was, "beautiful," as her husband Michael puts it.
Video
At 13 years old, LJ was an active, healthy student-athlete from Paris, Texas. He played football and basketball, was in the school's marching band and had the usual teenage aspirations – get a job, save up for a car and hang out with friends.
Article
When asked to describe themselves, one word that comes up for Carrie and Brant is "family oriented." Much of the Grapevine, Texas, couple's lives revolve around their 1-year-old daughter Caroline, and they enjoy spending time with relatives in the Dallas metroplex. Given their health journey, they also consider a dedicated cardiology team as part of that extended family – including a father and son physician duo who have been in Carrie's life since she was born.
Article
Despite his family's and GI doctor's best efforts, Vance continued to throw up multiple times a day and struggled to gain weight. For April, dealing with the mess – and the rude stares that often came with it – simply became part of her new normal.
Article
Paisley is a little girl with a big personality. She's a kind friend, a curious learner and an energetic athlete who wants to be a cheerleader when she grows up. The past year has been a big one for Paisley: She started kindergarten and welcomed a new, four-legged member to her family. But most notably, the 5-year-old also underwent brain surgery and found relief from the nearly 100 epileptic seizures she used to have each day.
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Brothers Bentley and Brody enjoy catching bugs, fishing and playing together outside. Bentley is about to start his third season of soccer, and Brody can't help but start dancing any time he hears music. As their mom, Dori, puts it, "They are two healthy boys who just happen to be deaf."
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Lily spends every moment she can dancing with her studio. From hip hop to ballroom to tap, she competes in all types of dance. She's been a junior Texas Legends dancer, a mini Dallas Cowboy cheerleader and has placed in the top 10 of solo competitions.
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When Cooper was 2 weeks old, he began showing signs of jaundice, a common condition in which a newborn's skin appears yellow due to increased levels of bilirubin in their blood. Typically, the condition improves as the baby's liver begins functioning as it should. However, when Cooper's symptoms persisted at his 2-month check-up, his pediatrician suggested they check his blood levels to determine the cause.
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Esther is a feisty, happy toddler who looks up to her 7-year-old twin sisters, spends her days pretending to be a sheriff from one of her favorite TV shows and enjoys searching for worms after springtime storms.
Article
Camilla weighed just 3 pounds when she was born prematurely in June 2015. She was immediately put on life support, and shortly after, had a stroke that affected the right side of her brain.
Article
Shortly after Monse was born, she started displaying symptoms that something was wrong with her liver. She was admitted to Children‘s Medical Center Dallas and diagnosed with biliary atresia, a serious condition which occurs when the bile ducts are blocked or don't function normally, causing bile to back up in the liver. Though biliary atresia can often be repaired through a surgical procedure known as the Kasai procedure, Monse's liver was so badly damaged that doctors determined a liver transplant was her only option. She was placed on the transplant list and remained in the hospital while her family awaited news of a donor.
Article
Jenna was 27 weeks pregnant with her son Lucas when she traveled to Alabama to visit her new nephew. She made the relatively short flight from North Texas without incident and was excited to spend time with their family's newest member.
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When Bre and Sean were expecting their fourth child, doctors informed them that the child may face significant challenges after she was born.
Article
When Aynsley was 9 years old, she injured her left ankle in dance class and the pain would not go away. Doctor after doctor could not explain the chronic pain, which was difficult for both Aynsley and parents, Cara and Dan.
Article
Henry loves sports. He's an endless supply of sports trivia knowledge and you'll often find him playing his favorites: basketball and football. When you see him in action, it's hard to imagine that he has any health issues, but Henry's daily routine involves taking around 40 medications and three breathing treatments. As a baby, Henry was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF) – but with his dynamic spirit and a supportive family and care team, he's never let the condition hold him back.
Article
It was a normal Saturday morning for Prem and Sangita in 2010. Their son, Arnav, was 15 months old, and the young family was looking forward to a weekend together. Prem, however, woke up feeling a little off. He was restless and felt a slight pain in his left shoulder. Figuring it was just acid reflux, Prem assured Sangita not to worry. But as he stepped into the living room, Prem started sweating – and then, he passed out. He was having a heart attack.
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Denay shares an unexplainable bond with 11-year-old Abby. Their paths crossed because of a decision Denay made after her 5-month-old daughter passed away.
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Seven-month-old Ivanna now smiles at her mom, Valarie, and babbles while lifting her head during tummy time. Only five months ago, Valarie questioned if these milestones would be possible.
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In the summer of 2018, 10-year-old Aidan began experiencing stomach pain on a regular basis. After several weeks, his aunt, Makaila, was concerned that his symptoms were getting worse. After a particularly difficult evening, she brought him to the emergency room in Texarkana in search of answers.
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David is a bright and active high school student. The youngest of three boys, he enjoys playing basketball, is in the marching band and hopes to be an engineer one day.
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Ashton first stepped foot on a softball field when she was just 5 years old, and it seems like she's been out there ever since. The high school junior now plays for a nationally acclaimed fastpitch softball program, as well as her school's varsity team, and has already committed to playing at a university when she graduates.
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Shylynne, known as "Shy" to her friends and family, has loved horses for as long as she can remember. She got her first horse, Shirley, to ride around in her backyard when she was just 4 years old. Around the time she turned 6, she discovered her passion: competitive barrel racing. This rodeo event for women times a rider while she completes a cloverleaf pattern around three barrels, showcasing the athleticism and skill of both the horse and the rider.
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For most people, going to the bathroom comes naturally. But for one little girl and her family it was anything but easy.
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When Nolan was just 8 years old, he and his brother were chasing each other around the house when all of a sudden he grabbed his stomach, bent over and yelled out in pain. His mom Tina, who happened to be in the room at the time, asked him what was wrong, but Nolan just shrugged it off. After suggesting he try to use the bathroom, Tina discovered that Nolan was having abnormal bowel movements and had been for quite some time.
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Before starting kindergarten in August 2018, Molly spent the summer traveling with her family, swimming, spending time in the country with her grandparents and playing dress-up with her big sister. She loves her big sister, ice cream and dogs. Seeing her, you would never guess that her earliest days were spent at Children's Medical Center Dallas.
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For Lauren, mother's intuition set in the moment she laid eyes on her newborn, a baby girl named Emily.
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Born premature, Tamara’s strength endures through brain surgery
When Tranece and Terrence learned they were expecting their fifth child, Tamara, in early 2021, they assumed that the pregnancy would go as smoothly as her previous pregnancies, especially after ultrasounds and genetic testing gave them no cause for concern.
Read more about Born premature, Tamara’s strength endures through brain surgery
Noah finds support at Children's Health after Fontan surgery
Olivia was 26 weeks pregnant when she learned that her unborn son, Noah, had hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), a congenital heart defect critically affecting the left side of his heart.
Read more about Noah finds support at Children's Health after Fontan surgery
Armani enjoys an active childhood while managing his asthma
When Armani was just 3 years old, he began suffering from asthma attacks that were so severe, they would often send him straight to the emergency room. His pediatrician, Ghadir Abdelhadi Issa, M.D., started him on regular nebulizer treatments at home, but over time, the intensity of his attacks continued to increase.
Read more about Armani enjoys an active childhood while managing his asthma
A teen continues to spread hope amidst her cancer battle
In late 2020, Addison began experiencing back pain that made it uncomfortable to breathe and seemed more tired than usual. Her parents took her to her family doctor who suspected she may have sprained a muscle in her back and suggested a series of stretches and gentle exercises to allow it to heal. Over the next few weeks, the pain grew worse and she started to notice abnormalities in the color of her urine. She returned to her doctor's office where a urinalysis identified elevated liver enzymes in her urine, suggesting something may be going on with her liver or gallbladder. Her doctor ordered some routine bloodwork – just to be safe – and explained that Addison would need to see a specialist for an ultrasound of her abdomen.
Read more about A teen continues to spread hope amidst her cancer battle
A single ventricle defect leads Harper to Children's Health
When Brittany went in for her 20-week anatomy scan during her pregnancy with her daughter Harper, she and her husband, Ben, didn't expect to see anything out of the ordinary. Even when the technician had difficulties seeing all four chambers of Harper's heart, the couple was told not to be too concerned and that maybe it was just the way she was positioned in the womb at the time. The couple scheduled a follow-up sonogram with a specialist four weeks later. It was an appointment Brittany and Ben will never forget.
Read more about A single ventricle defect leads Harper to Children's Health
Zeke runs with heart
At 13 years old, Zeke's life has already been full of adventure. He spent most of his early years living in a remote mountain village in Papua New Guinea as the child of missionaries. He enjoyed an active childhood, running through fields and mountain trails with his siblings and friends and playing sports, like football.
Read more about Zeke runs with heart
Sickle cell disease doesn't keep Reagan off the field
For Reagan, life revolves around the baseball diamond. He went to his first Texas Rangers game when he was just 1 month old, and his parents, Jaimee and Leo, have run a youth sports organization for the past several years. He’s often the first one out on the field and the last one to leave, so it can come as a surprise to new friends that Reagan was born with a disease that can cause crippling pain and organ damage.
Read more about Sickle cell disease doesn't keep Reagan off the field
A family finds answers and support for brothers with muscular dystrophy
When Daniel was 5 years old, he began experiencing chronic stomach pain and had difficulty walking after playing for a particularly long period of time. Believing that he may have a food-related allergy, his pediatrician referred Daniel to Isabel Rojas, M.D., Pediatric Gastroenterologist at Children’s Health℠ and Assistant Professor at UT Southwestern.
Read more about A family finds answers and support for brothers with muscular dystrophy
Carmen helps others after overcoming an eating disorder
Carmen has always been a go-getter. As a young child, she was committed to karate and loved being outside. She enjoyed art and movies and was involved in more school and community activities than you can count on one hand.
Read more about Carmen helps others after overcoming an eating disorder
Comprehensive CF care helps Quincy thrive
When Sadie was pregnant with her daughter, Quincy, all signs pointed to a happy and healthy baby. So when Quincy's pediatrician informed her family that an abnormality had shown up on her newborn screening, it took everyone by surprise.
Read more about Comprehensive CF care helps Quincy thrive
High blood pressure reveals a heart defect in an active football player
John and his twin brother, William, have always been active. Whether they were running around outside as children, playing baseball or showing their strength as linebackers on their high school's varsity football team, if there's one word to describe them, it's athletic.
Read more about High blood pressure reveals a heart defect in an active football player
Born just hours apart, three heart warriors form an unshakeable bond
For many expecting parents, the 20-week anatomy scan is when they find out their baby's sex, count their fingers and toes, and leave with ultrasound images to show friends and family. But for three couples, Seher and Sayeed, Ashley and Kelly, and Leah and Eric, the appointment brought unexpected news that would change their lives and bring their three families together.
Read more about Born just hours apart, three heart warriors form an unshakeable bond
Katie's physical, emotional and mental health improve after weight loss surgery
Katie is a creative 16-year-old who enjoys writing short stories and going to concerts. She's on the yearbook staff at school and spends most Friday nights under the lights capturing photos of her peers at football games and other school functions. As a single-leg amputee, she looks a bit different than her classmates, but if there's one thing that defines Katie, it's her independent spirit and refusal to let life's challenges keep her down.
Read more about Katie's physical, emotional and mental health improve after weight loss surgery
"Mighty Mia" shows her strength from day one
Michele's pregnancy with their first-born daughter, Mia, was, "beautiful," as her husband Michael puts it.
Read more about "Mighty Mia" shows her strength from day one
Georgie finds expert care for a single ventricle heart defect
Before he was even born, Georgie had a team of doctors waiting to meet him and care for him. He had been diagnosed with a single ventricle heart defect, meaning he was missing one of the four chambers of his heart. The team at the Children's Health℠ FETAL Center worked with his mother, Jessica, to make a plan for his birth and treatment.
Read more about Georgie finds expert care for a single ventricle heart defect
Abby's new heart gives her a second chance
Abby was just 12 years old when a suspected stomach bug sent her to the emergency room at the local hospital in Waxahachie.
Read more about Abby's new heart gives her a second chance
Harper's strength shines after a first-of-a-kind heart procedure
When Harper was 4 days old, her NICU nurse flagged a heart murmur that needed attention. An echocardiogram confirmed that the newborn had several complex congenital heart defects. Candice, a first-time mom, worked as a patient technician in her late teens to explore a career in health care. Today, she is a full-time employee at Children's Health℠. Even so, she remembers feeling overwhelmed by Harper's diagnosis.
Read more about Harper's strength shines after a first-of-a-kind heart procedure
Miloh enjoys an active childhood after a liver transplant
Megan had what most would consider a textbook pregnancy with her firstborn son, Miloh. Though he spent several hours in the NICU after delivery because of fluid in his lungs, he was soon back in the hospital room with his mom and went home just a few days later, happy and healthy.
Read more about Miloh enjoys an active childhood after a liver transplant
Darian finds relief through a multi-modal approach to pain management
Darian was diagnosed with sickle cell disease when he was just 10 days old after a routine newborn screening, and has been on an almost decade-long struggle to manage the pain and serious complications that come with his disease ever since. He has been closely monitored by the Pediatric Sickle Cell Disease program in the Pauline Allen Gill Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children's Health℠, one of the largest pediatric programs for patients with sickle cell disease in the nation, and he and his family have worked with a multi-disciplinary team of specialists to address the many health challenges he has faced over the years.
Read more about Darian finds relief through a multi-modal approach to pain management
Riley survives heart failure and shows her strength
When Riley was 7 years old, she caught a cold. It was the same cold her three sisters had come down with. But as Riley's sisters quickly got better, she struggled to recover.
Read more about Riley survives heart failure and shows her strength
Once a transplant patient at Children's Health, Monse now gives back as a nurse
Shortly after Monse was born, she started displaying symptoms that something was wrong with her liver. She was admitted to Children‘s Medical Center Dallas and diagnosed with biliary atresia, a serious condition which occurs when the bile ducts are blocked or don't function normally, causing bile to back up in the liver. Though biliary atresia can often be repaired through a surgical procedure known as the Kasai procedure, Monse's liver was so badly damaged that doctors determined a liver transplant was her only option. She was placed on the transplant list and remained in the hospital while her family awaited news of a donor.
Read more about Once a transplant patient at Children's Health, Monse now gives back as a nurse
Miles faces a rare cancer diagnosis with perseverance
In May 2016 while at school, a daycare teacher noticed that Miles' ear was bleeding. Miles' mom, Stephanie, brought him to the pediatrician, who suspected Miles had ruptured his ear drum and prescribed a round of antibiotics. But after Miles continued experiencing unusual symptoms, his pediatrician referred him to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist. The specialist believed there was excess tissue in Miles' ear canal that would need to be surgically removed.
Read more about Miles faces a rare cancer diagnosis with perseverance
Joseph gains his forever smile at Children's Health
In February 2019, Caitlin and her husband, Edwin, were excited to learn they would be adopting a baby boy. That excitement mixed with some fear when their son was diagnosed in utero with a bilateral cleft lip. Caitlin and Edwin did a great deal of research about caring for babies with cleft lips prior to his birth, but Caitlin says she still worried that her "motherly instincts" wouldn't kick in. Within seconds after their son Joseph's birth, however, those fears quickly vanished.
Read more about Joseph gains his forever smile at Children's Health
Born with VSD, a young patient shows her heart is strong and full of joy
Read more about Born with VSD, a young patient shows her heart is strong and full of joy
A lifesaving new heart for baby Miles
From the day he was born, little Miles was a fighter. This precious baby boy came into the world with a broken collar bone. Then, when he was about 4 weeks old, his mother, Mariah, and father, Javier, noticed something else was not right.
Read more about A lifesaving new heart for baby Miles
Schroth method helps Vivian manage her scoliosis
When Vivian was 12 years old, she was at the pediatrician for a routine checkup when her doctor noticed there was an issue with her spine. She was referred to a spine specialist who, after reviewing an X-ray of her spine, diagnosed her with scoliosis.
Read more about Schroth method helps Vivian manage her scoliosis
Diagnosed with chronic lung disease, Katie shows she's a tiny but mighty fighter
From the day she was born Katie has shown everyone exactly what a warrior looks like. Born in May 2015, at just under 30 weeks with her twin, Stella, Katie was diagnosed with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia shortly after birth which progressed to chronic respiratory failure and chronic lung disease. She spent the first eight months of her life in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at a local hospital and relied on a ventilator to help her breathe and a gastrostomy tube (G-tube) for her nutritional needs.
Read more about Diagnosed with chronic lung disease, Katie shows she's a tiny but mighty fighter
Bryson bravely manages sickle cell disease with support from Children's Health
When Melissa was pregnant with her son, Bryson, a routine blood test determined that she was a carrier for sickle cell disease. Because Bryson's father had sickle cell disease, Melissa faced the realization that there was a chance that her son may be born with the disease. However, all she could do at that time was wait.
Read more about Bryson bravely manages sickle cell disease with support from Children's Health
A dedicated athlete doesn’t let diabetes define him
Anthony has always been an active child. He's played a variety of sports since he was 4 years old and never had any major medical concerns growing up. So when he started losing weight shortly before his 11th birthday, his parents, Laura and Raul, became concerned.
Read more about A dedicated athlete doesn’t let diabetes define him
A competitive cheerleader doesn’t let cystic fibrosis define her
When Ami was pregnant with her second child, Ireland Kate, she and her husband, Mark, assumed the experience would be similar to her first pregnancy with their son, Landry.
Read more about A competitive cheerleader doesn’t let cystic fibrosis define her
Megan adjusts to life with diabetes with support from her big brother
Megan has always been an active child. She has played sports since she was 5 years old and can often be found hanging out with friends or playing outside. So when her parents, Brian and Joy, noticed that she wasn't acting like her typical self a few months before her 11th birthday, they started to worry something was wrong.
Read more about Megan adjusts to life with diabetes with support from her big brother
Carter is born ready to fight and defy the odds
When Kirsten was 24 weeks pregnant, a routine ultrasound revealed that her amniotic fluid was low and showed an abnormality in her baby, Carter's, kidneys. A few weeks later, a second in-depth ultrasound confirmed that Carter had polycystic kidney disease (PKD), a rare genetic disease that causes fluid-filled cysts to grow in the kidneys and can ultimately lead to kidney failure.
Read more about Carter is born ready to fight and defy the odds
Pectus excavatum doesn't stop Diego's passion for ice hockey
When Diego saw his first hockey match at just 11 years old, he knew immediately he wanted to skate. Even now, five years later, Diego remembers the very first time his rental skates hit the ice during an open skate.
Read more about Pectus excavatum doesn't stop Diego's passion for ice hockey
A young boy is all smiles after surgery to remove a branchial cleft cyst
In 2014, Luke, then 4 years old, came to his parents complaining that his right cheek hurt. After a dentist ruled out any issues related to his teeth, his pediatrician prescribed antibiotics to address any infection that may be causing the pain in his mouth. Over the next few months, the pain would come and go, and it seemed to be developing resistance to antibiotics.
Read more about A young boy is all smiles after surgery to remove a branchial cleft cyst
Expert care and technology help a young girl manage type 1 diabetes
When Susanna was 5 years old, she started having regular accidents, even though she had been potty-trained since she was a toddler. At first, her parents thought the accidents may just stem from behavioral issues. But when Susanna began drinking an unusual amount of water and losing weight, her family began to suspect something more serious was going on.
Read more about Expert care and technology help a young girl manage type 1 diabetes
LJ survives sudden cardiac arrest with a determined spirit
At 13 years old, LJ was an active, healthy student-athlete from Paris, Texas. He played football and basketball, was in the school's marching band and had the usual teenage aspirations – get a job, save up for a car and hang out with friends.
Read more about LJ survives sudden cardiac arrest with a determined spirit
A mom and daughter face the same congenital heart defect
When asked to describe themselves, one word that comes up for Carrie and Brant is "family oriented." Much of the Grapevine, Texas, couple's lives revolve around their 1-year-old daughter Caroline, and they enjoy spending time with relatives in the Dallas metroplex. Given their health journey, they also consider a dedicated cardiology team as part of that extended family – including a father and son physician duo who have been in Carrie's life since she was born.
Read more about A mom and daughter face the same congenital heart defect
Innovative GI care provides life-changing relief from chronic vomiting
Despite his family's and GI doctor's best efforts, Vance continued to throw up multiple times a day and struggled to gain weight. For April, dealing with the mess – and the rude stares that often came with it – simply became part of her new normal.
Read more about Innovative GI care provides life-changing relief from chronic vomiting
Daniel lives life with purpose after a liver transplant
Daniel comes from a long line of athletes. His grandfather was a successful track and field athlete who represented Colombia at the national and international level. His mother was also a dedicated athlete who taught him the importance of making healthy choices and staying active from a young age. Throughout his childhood in Colombia, Daniel was surrounded by family members who supported his healthy lifestyle and pursuit to become one of the top BMX athletes in Colombia by the age of 13.
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Thrive Program provides support and resources to Lucas and his family
Jenna was 27 weeks pregnant with her son Lucas when she traveled to Alabama to visit her new nephew. She made the relatively short flight from North Texas without incident and was excited to spend time with their family's newest member.
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Anthony finds multidisciplinary support after ATV injury
Anthony, a freshman goalie on his high school soccer team, and his cousin were driving an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) in April 2019, when they lost control of the vehicle. Anthony was trapped beneath the ATV when it flipped and landed on him. Because such severe accidents carry a high risk of internal injury, he was quickly transported by helicopter to a nearby emergency room. There, doctors determined his injuries required Level 1 pediatric trauma care, and he was immediately transferred to Children's Medical Center Dallas.
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A liver transplant gives an infant a new chance at life
Despite being born five weeks early, Davis appeared to be a healthy and strong baby boy. But soon after going home, his parents, Anna and Frankie, noticed that Davis appeared to be showing signs of jaundice. When Davis stopped eating, the new parents brought their son to an emergency room in Fort Worth.
Read more about A liver transplant gives an infant a new chance at life
Grayson gives back after learning to manage his peanut allergy
When Grayson was just 1 year old, he had an allergic reaction so severe that his parents brought him to the emergency room at Children's Medical Center Dallas.
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Specialized care leaves a special place in the hearts of a NICU graduate's family
If you ask Shonda, her pregnancy was "picture perfect" for the first 20 weeks. But at 21 weeks, Shonda's water broke, sending her into pre-term labor, and she and her husband, Scott, found themselves face-to-face with their worst fear.
Read more about Specialized care leaves a special place in the hearts of a NICU graduate's family
Paisley's journey from 100 seizures a day to living seizure-free
Paisley is a little girl with a big personality. She's a kind friend, a curious learner and an energetic athlete who wants to be a cheerleader when she grows up. The past year has been a big one for Paisley: She started kindergarten and welcomed a new, four-legged member to her family. But most notably, the 5-year-old also underwent brain surgery and found relief from the nearly 100 epileptic seizures she used to have each day.
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Klara's bravery through cystic fibrosis makes her a real-life superhero
When Misti was pregnant with her daughter, Klara, her obstetrician noticed a cloudy spot on Klara's small intestine during a routine ultrasound. Misti's doctor informed her that there was a chance Klara would be born with cystic fibrosis (CF), an inherited genetic condition that affects mucus production in the lungs and digestive tract, and suggested that both Misti and her husband, Richard, undergo genetic screening. The test confirmed that both Misti and Richard were CF carriers, which meant there was a 25% chance that Klara would be born with the condition.
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Support for Rowan's special heart
Before Rowan was even born, her parents knew she and her heart were special. At 23 weeks, an ultrasound revealed Rowan had several congenital heart defects. Imaging showed the growing baby had double outlet right ventricle, a category of congenital heart disease where both of the arteries that come out of the heart come from the same pumping chamber. She also had a large ventricular septal defect (a hole in the wall of the heart) and mild pulmonary artery stenosis (narrowing of the artery that travels from the heart to the lung).
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Teleconcussion care at Children's Health Andrews Institute helps Sawyer get back in the game
In November 2018, Sawyer was excited for her first soccer game back after a 12-week hiatus due to a jaw injury. She had been playing soccer since she was a young child and was thrilled to earn a starting position back after her injury.
Read more about Teleconcussion care at Children's Health Andrews Institute helps Sawyer get back in the game
Specialized care in the NICU makes all the difference for a young girl
When Bre and Sean were expecting their fourth child, doctors informed them that the child may face significant challenges after she was born.
Read more about Specialized care in the NICU makes all the difference for a young girl
Comprehensive neonatal care brings big smiles from a tiny patient
When Valerie was only a little more than halfway through her pregnancy with twins, Cruz and Cristiano, she began experiencing serious complications.
Read more about Comprehensive neonatal care brings big smiles from a tiny patient
A young patient learns to manage her chronic pain with confidence
When Aynsley was 9 years old, she injured her left ankle in dance class and the pain would not go away. Doctor after doctor could not explain the chronic pain, which was difficult for both Aynsley and parents, Cara and Dan.
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A young child shows his strength after surviving cancer
Shortly after Andrew started crawling in 2015, he stopped using his arms and legs. His parents, Lisa and Thomas, didn't think much of it, but brought him to his pediatrician's office for a check-up, just in case. After examining Andrew, his pediatrician couldn't determine what was wrong. He suggested Lisa and Thomas bring Andrew to the emergency room to rule out any serious issues.
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Ritvika's strength shines after surviving Ewing's Sarcoma
Ritvika is, in many ways, what most would consider a typical teenager. She enjoys spending time with friends, playing sports and performing on stage.
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Brothers share a bond over their "superhero" hearing
Brothers Bentley and Brody enjoy catching bugs, fishing and playing together outside. Bentley is about to start his third season of soccer, and Brody can't help but start dancing any time he hears music. As their mom, Dori, puts it, "They are two healthy boys who just happen to be deaf."
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Noelle sets her sights on recovery, shoots and soars
Noelle has always been active. After years of ballet, she decided to shift her focus to other sports in high school. She ran cross country, played tennis – and found an instant fit with basketball.
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Collaborative care ensures a bright future for a patient with ulcerative colitis
Sophia is a happy 7-year-old who enjoys singing, dancing and any chance to express herself through art. To most, she appears to be an easygoing child with an unbridled joy for life and a passion for performing – and for all intents and purposes, she truly is. But Sophia is also managing a chronic illness that once threatened to rob her of her carefree childhood and health. Fortunately, she and her family found the support and answers they needed at Children's Health℠ to help Sophia grow and thrive into the superstar she is now.
Read more about Collaborative care ensures a bright future for a patient with ulcerative colitis
A clinical trial helps a young patient with a peanut allergy prepare for adulthood
When Caroline was 3 years old, she was traveling with her parents and ate a pretzel from a snack bowl containing nuts in an airport lounge. Shortly after boarding the plane, a purple rash formed around her mouth. Her parents gave her Benadryl and didn't think too much of it.
Read more about A clinical trial helps a young patient with a peanut allergy prepare for adulthood
A multidisciplinary care team helps Carson overcome critical health challenges
When Carson was born, nearly everything he ate made him sick. His mom, Stephanie, tried 10 different baby formulas before she finally found one that worked. His pediatrician suspected he was suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and a blood test soon determined Carson was also allergic to five different foods.
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A young ballerina doesn't let injury hold her back
Hannah has felt "at home" on the dance floor since she took her first ballet class at just 2 years old. Over the years, she has expanded her repertoire to include tap, jazz and hip-hop, but her first love of ballet – and now pointe – is evident. The 14-year-old trains around 23 hours a week at a Dallas-area dance studio.
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Samu bravely manages seizures and reaches for the stars
In February 2017, Kata heard a strange sound on her monitor in the middle of the night. It sounded as if one of her children were drowning in their beds. She immediately went upstairs to check on her kids and saw that something was wrong with her son, Samu, then 7 years old.
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Amber finds care for congenital heart disease as an adult
Growing up, Amber knew she was different than other kids. When they would run and play, she would get tired and had a hard time keeping up.
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A breath of fresh care for Matthew and his family
Planes, trains and automobiles are just a few of Matthew's interests. He spends his days playing outside with his older brother, and his parents describe him as a happy child. You'd never know he fought courageously for his life – before he was even born.
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Nothing will crush Julianne's spirit
When Julianne was 15 years old, she begged her mom to let her miss one of her last two driver's education classes to take a summer trip to a lake in Arkansas. That trip took a tragic turn when Julianne was propelled off a jet ski into the bow of a boat, breaking every bone in her face and suffering a long list of traumatic injuries.
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After a non-fatal drowning incident, Keion makes a miraculous recovery
In June 2017, Stephanie was at home with her children when she realized that her youngest, 2-year-old Keion, had wandered off. Stephanie was searching their home for him, when she heard her oldest son, Kareem, frantically shout, "Mom!"
Read more about After a non-fatal drowning incident, Keion makes a miraculous recovery
An athlete pursues her dreams – and manages her diabetes – with support from Children's Health
For nearly a decade, Whitney has made a name for herself on the basketball court. Between AAU leagues in the summer and her high school team during the school year, she has lost track of the hours spent on defensive drills, ball handling and perfecting her jump shot.
Read more about An athlete pursues her dreams – and manages her diabetes – with support from Children's Health
For a child with complex medical needs, a new car seat makes a world of difference
When Tatum was just 9 months old, she was in a car accident that left her critically injured. She was rushed by ambulance to the emergency room at Children's Medical Center Dallas, the only pediatric hospital in the region with a Level I Trauma Center.
Read more about For a child with complex medical needs, a new car seat makes a world of difference
A teenager loses weight and gains confidence with the help of bariatric surgery
Growing up, Addison was always a little bigger than her peers. Still, she was a happy young girl, who enjoyed riding her bike, swimming and playing on a competitive softball team that won the World Series of the Midwest in 2012.
Read more about A teenager loses weight and gains confidence with the help of bariatric surgery
A dance with type 1 diabetes
Lily spends every moment she can dancing with her studio. From hip hop to ballroom to tap, she competes in all types of dance. She's been a junior Texas Legends dancer, a mini Dallas Cowboy cheerleader and has placed in the top 10 of solo competitions.
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Born with biliary atresia, Cooper thrives under the care of liver experts at Children's Health
When Cooper was 2 weeks old, he began showing signs of jaundice, a common condition in which a newborn's skin appears yellow due to increased levels of bilirubin in their blood. Typically, the condition improves as the baby's liver begins functioning as it should. However, when Cooper's symptoms persisted at his 2-month check-up, his pediatrician suggested they check his blood levels to determine the cause.
Read more about Born with biliary atresia, Cooper thrives under the care of liver experts at Children's Health
Asthma experts help a young patient and his family breathe easy
Sajid had his first asthma attack when he was only 6 years old. It's a scary experience for any young child, and one that, unfortunately, he grew to know all too well over the next year.
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Brothers share a common bond and condition
Brothers Rex and Charlie have a lot in common: They both love sports, they both do well in school and they both are managing a chronic condition with the support of their family and the experts in the diabetes program at Children's Health.
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A family moves time zones to be closer to a pediatric expert in prune belly syndrome (PBS)
When Samantha was 12 weeks pregnant with her son Beaux, she and her husband, Chris, visited her doctor's office for a routine anatomy scan. For Samantha, who already had two children, it started off as a familiar appointment, identifying Beaux's hands and feet and even viewing all four chambers of his heart. But when it came time to view his other organs, Samantha's motherly intuition sensed something was wrong.
Read more about A family moves time zones to be closer to a pediatric expert in prune belly syndrome (PBS)
A toddler and her family find expert care for a rare food allergy
Esther is a feisty, happy toddler who looks up to her 7-year-old twin sisters, spends her days pretending to be a sheriff from one of her favorite TV shows and enjoys searching for worms after springtime storms.
Read more about A toddler and her family find expert care for a rare food allergy
A mom finds answers at Children's Health after struggling to diagnose her son's osteomyelitis
Isaiah is a very active child who enjoys riding his bike, playing outside and reading adventure books. So when the 9-year-old complained that his leg was hurting one Sunday evening, his mom, Kristi – a nurse – didn't think much of it.
Read more about A mom finds answers at Children's Health after struggling to diagnose her son's osteomyelitis
The power of Complex Care
Camilla weighed just 3 pounds when she was born prematurely in June 2015. She was immediately put on life support, and shortly after, had a stroke that affected the right side of her brain.
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Pediatric hand experts restore the use of a young athlete's hand
In April 2010, Dayton, then age 13, was seriously injured when he was accidentally shot in the left arm by a 12-gauge shotgun.
Read more about Pediatric hand experts restore the use of a young athlete's hand
Henry and his family live fully in the present with hope for the future
Henry loves sports. He's an endless supply of sports trivia knowledge and you'll often find him playing his favorites: basketball and football. When you see him in action, it's hard to imagine that he has any health issues, but Henry's daily routine involves taking around 40 medications and three breathing treatments. As a baby, Henry was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF) – but with his dynamic spirit and a supportive family and care team, he's never let the condition hold him back.
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Using family history to build a healthier future for Arnav
It was a normal Saturday morning for Prem and Sangita in 2010. Their son, Arnav, was 15 months old, and the young family was looking forward to a weekend together. Prem, however, woke up feeling a little off. He was restless and felt a slight pain in his left shoulder. Figuring it was just acid reflux, Prem assured Sangita not to worry. But as he stepped into the living room, Prem started sweating – and then, he passed out. He was having a heart attack.
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Amelia thrives thanks to the Rees-Jones Center for Foster Care Excellence
To know Amelia is to love her. She's bright, articulate and has never met a stranger. Looking at this bubbly 4-year-old, one would never guess her complex medical history. Amelia's adoptive mother, Robin, says this alone is a testament to the care that Amelia has received at Children's Health. In fact, Robin says that if not for the quick actions of the Children's Health foster care clinic years ago, Amelia would most likely not be alive.
Read more about Amelia thrives thanks to the Rees-Jones Center for Foster Care Excellence
How a 15-year-old boy survived against the odds
He might look like a typical high school student, but at 15 years old, Aldorsey survived an undiagnosed condition that if left untreated, has a 90% death rate in the first year of life. Although Aldorsey participated in physically demanding sports for years, he never showed signs of a heart condition. A string of coincidences connected his family to the right people when Aldorsey needed help the most.
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Ava and her family find support for a rare GI condition
When Sarah and Brandon found out they were expecting their first child, they were overjoyed. At 35 weeks, Ava Jewell was born via emergency C-section after the placenta detached. Sarah and Brandon spent the first 24 hours getting to know their baby girl, but on Ava's second day of life, warning signs emerged. Ava had not passed any bowel movements and was vomiting bile.
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A boy, and his dog, live every day to the fullest
Easton was 4 years old when he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. It was a day his mother, Lexie, will never forget. "He had been feeling off for the last few months – always hungry, constantly thirsty and several nighttime accidents," she says. "We just figured he was going through a growth spurt."
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David achieves his college football dreams thanks to a pediatric hand surgeon at Children's Health
David started playing football in the fourth grade. In high school, he was the team's starting running back, and like many football players, he had grown accustomed to the physicality and intensity the game is known for – especially in Texas. So when he started to feel pain in his left hand after a home game in September 2017, the high school senior didn't think much of it.
Read more about David achieves his college football dreams thanks to a pediatric hand surgeon at Children's Health
A teenager doesn't let narcolepsy stand in the way of her goals
Ariel has always been an extraordinary child. The oldest of four siblings, she worked hard in school, and was active and healthy for most of her childhood. So when the 11-year-old stumbled and fell while walking across the street to her grandparents' house, her mom, Erika, thought maybe her daughter was just going through a clumsy phase as she entered her pre-teen years.
Read more about A teenager doesn't let narcolepsy stand in the way of her goals
Jack gets back in the game after an ACL injury
For as long as he can remember, Jack wanted to play football. "Every year he would ask if he could play football. I would have to tell him, ‘No, you can't play when you're 3 years old,'" his mom, Ana, says with a laugh.
Read more about Jack gets back in the game after an ACL injury
Managing her EoE isn't easy, but Bella refuses to give up
Bella is the modern version of a Renaissance (wo)man. She's a high school junior who excels in academics and manages the school wrestling team. She has a close-knit group of friends and family, was recently promoted at her job and is a talented vocalist who is teaching herself to play guitar. She is also in the midst of a life-changing search for answers as she manages a chronic illness that has knocked her down several times in her life – but Bella refuses to give up.
Read more about Managing her EoE isn't easy, but Bella refuses to give up
Teddy thrives with his new heart
Deborah found herself at a crossroads near the end of her pregnancy. She could stay at the hospital she knew so well with the obstetrician who delivered her other children or follow the pediatrician's advice and consider Children's Health.
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Natalie becomes a heart warrior
Libby from Amarillo found out during a routine ultrasound at 24 weeks gestation that her baby girl had several serious heart defects. Natalie would need treatment for hypoplastic right heart syndrome, which causes the right side of the heart to be severely underdeveloped, along with tricuspid atresia, ventricular septal defect (VSD) and atrial septal defect.
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London thrives after enduring heart defects
London is a vivacious toddler who speaks in full sentences and loves macaroni and cheese.
"I mostly forget that she has a problem with her heart," says Chelsey, London's mom.
Read more about London thrives after enduring heart defects
Rome dreams big after a heart transplant
At just 13, Children's Health patient, Rome has big plans for her life. She's already a straight-A student, a talented singer and dancer, an accomplished violinist, an active member in her church, and, if you ask her, she's just getting started. Rome is adamant that she will be the first black female president of the United States, and anyone who meets her leaves their encounter with little doubt that this young lady will accomplish anything she sets her mind to.
Read more about Rome dreams big after a heart transplant
Izayah's transplant experience
Since Tara's son was born with a kidney condition, she knew he would probably need to receive a transplant. However, she never expected to be on the other side of the transplant experience.
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A new heart for Ivanna
Seven-month-old Ivanna now smiles at her mom, Valarie, and babbles while lifting her head during tummy time. Only five months ago, Valarie questioned if these milestones would be possible.
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Abby thrives after a multivisceral transplant
Denay shares an unexplainable bond with 11-year-old Abby. Their paths crossed because of a decision Denay made after her 5-month-old daughter passed away.
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