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Treated at Children's Health Foundation in Oklahoma City, OK.

At a routine 18-week ultrasound, Connor was diagnosed with the most severe form of spina bifida and hydrocephalus. His family met with the neurosurgery team at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital in Oklahoma City to learn how to prepare for Connor’s care after birth. He was born at 36 weeks and was immediately taken to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), where he stayed for 10 days. His first surgery was at two days old to close the hole in his back to protect his exposed spinal cord. Then, three days later he had brain surgery to place a shunt to drain the fluid in his brain (hydrocephalus). Just before he turned two, he began having long, life-threatening seizures. The seizures have caused Connor to have speech and cognitive delays. Connor receives occupational, physical and speech therapies to help with his development. Over the last 12 years, Connor has had 26 surgeries. Connor has paralysis in his lower half and has required multiple orthopedic surgeries in the last few years to correct his scoliosis, hip dysplasia, and some broken bones caused by low bone density. He loves watching sports, swimming, and watching his big sister dance. He enjoys playing adaptive baseball and attending Wheelie Club, an all-abilities club of varying activities.

Donations to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals helped Connor receive life-saving care in the NICU and through his numerous surgeries.

Treated at Duke Children's in Durham, NC.

At 18 weeks pregnant with twins, Stephanie learned something was wrong. Braeden, “Baby B,” was diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, one of the most severe congenital heart defects. The prognosis was unclear. After researching options, Braeden’s parents chose to go with Duke Children’s, where he could receive the outpatient care he needed close to home. In advance of his birth, the staff gave them a tour of the facilities and set up meetings with their surgeon to ask questions. Over the next couple of years, Braeden returned to Duke Children’s for heart catheters and two more big surgeries, and his parents found comfort in nurses and doctors who truly cared. The medical teams continue to find innovative ways to treat hypoplastic left heart syndrome so more kids like Braeden can live their lives to the fullest. Now Braeden is nine years old and his sense of humor makes everyone around him smile.

Thanks to the support of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, Braeden received world- class medical care close to home at Duke Children’s.

Treated at Hasbro Children's Hospital in Providence, RI/New Bedford, MA.

At 18 weeks gestation, London’s parents wanted to find out their baby’s gender. A high-level ultrasound soon confirmed that their baby was a girl--and that she would be born with spina bifida. Her parents did everything they could to learn about the diagnosis in preparation. Dr. Petra Klinge, a neurosurgeon at Hasbro Children’s Hospital, not only reassured them, but she also gave them hope. The day after London was born, Dr. Klinge performed an intricate eight-hour surgery to close the skin and spinal cord on the tiny newborn’s spine. When London was still not walking at 18 months, early intervention specialists advised her parents to consider leg braces and a walker, but instead they turned to Hasbro’s Pediatric Rehabilitation team and continued physical therapy. Just after turning two years old, London got up and walked across the room for the first time on her own. Now nine years old, London loves to dance and play soccer, and she is training for a Black Belt. She continues to amaze everyone with her vibrant smile and personality.

Donations to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals helped London get the support of her local pediatric rehabilitation program.