Children's Champions

When Aiden was 4 months old, his parents noticed rust-colored urine in his diaper. Aiden was referred to Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, where he was diagnosed with a rare, aggressive form of cancer called a rhabdoid tumor on his right kidney. Soon they learned that the cancer had spread to his lungs. Aiden underwent chemotherapy and multiple surgeries – including an emergency surgery to stop internal bleeding – all before his first birthday. Today, Aiden is free of cancer.

When Karris was just 12 days old, she was diagnosed with pyloric stenosis, a rare condition that prevents food from entering the small intestine from the stomach. She was transported to Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, where she underwent surgery. Karris suffered complications during the surgery that led to heart failure. The staff at Children’s Hospital were able to revive her after 40 minutes of CPR. Afterward, she recovered quickly and was able to go home in half the time expected. “The doctors and nurses were incredible,” her parents said. “They gave us the support we so desperately needed and never gave up on our little girl. We have never had that kind of care anywhere else.”

Trinity was diagnosed with multiple holes in her heart at age 2 months. She had corrective surgery at age 5, but just a few hours later her heart began to fail. She was placed on a heart-lung bypass machine for six days. Trinity underwent another heart surgery last spring and is on her way to a full recovery. “I cannot tell you what Children’s Hospital has meant to Trinity and our family,” her mother said. “From the surgeons to the volunteers, everyone is first class and treats you as if you were the only patient for the day.”

Sami suffers from a genetic immune disorder called common variable immune deficiency. This means her body cannot easily fight illness. She gets sick frequently and every infection has the potential to be life-threatening. She has spent several weeks at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin every year. In addition, she has suffered from blood clots and had to learn to walk again after becoming ill with Guillain-Barre syndrome, a disorder in which her body’s immune system attacked her nervous system, causing weakness and paralysis. She continues to be treated at Children’s Hospital.

When Erick was 7 years old, he became ill with a severe headache. Within hours, he lost his vision and suffered a seizure. He was rushed to Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin where he underwent surgery to remove a noncancerous cyst in his skull. About three months later, surgeons drained fluid from his brain. Though he is recovering, he has continued to suffer from periodic headaches and takes medicine to prevent seizures as his brain adjusts to pressure changes.

Since her birth, Allison suffered through many colds, ear infections and breathing issues. When Allison was 2-1/2 years old, doctors found a cyst in the right bronchial tube of her lungs. The cyst had been present since birth and had grown with her, leading to many of her illnesses and wheezing. After discussing treatment options, her doctors and parents decided she should have surgery to remove the cyst. “We knew Allison’s issue was small compared to other patients, but we never felt like she was less important,” said her mother. “The communication and care exceeded our expectations.”

Brenna was 8 months old when she became ill and suffered congestive heart failure as a result of cardiomyopathy, a condition that occurs when the heart becomes inflamed and does not function efficiently. Brenna spent a total of 19 days at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin – half of it in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. Since her discharge, she continues to get stronger and is followed by cardiologists in the Herma Heart Center. “We spent many hours watching the staff, and I am amazed at how hard they work to save our children’s lives,” her mother said.

Zachary was brought to Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin by Flight for Life with only a slim chance of survival. He was in multiple organ failure and suffering from sepsis as a result of meningitis. Though doctors were able to cure his disease, Zachary was left with devastating tissue damage. He spent more than 150 days in the hospital while he underwent amputations of both legs below the knees, his entire right hand and much of his left hand. The disease also permanently damaged his hearing. After being fitted with prosthetics and hearing aids and undergoing intensive physical therapy, he is doing well. “We owe a tremendous thank you to all of the staff at Children’s Hospital for our son’s life,” his mother said. “The dedication these people have is an inspiration to all.”

Ben was born with a rare structural defect in the pituitary gland. Since birth, he has required daily medication to stay alive. These medications help regulate his metabolism and blood sugar levels and ensure normal growth. “We are comforted daily with the knowledge that we have an entire endocrine department dedicated to the Ben Smiths of the world at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin. Our family is so grateful to have such a wonderful facility just 20 minutes from home,” said his mother.

Charlie was diagnosed with advanced cancer in his nervous system shortly before his second birthday. He underwent chemotherapy, radiation, surgery and a stem cell transplant. By late 2007, it appeared that Charlie was winning his fight against cancer, but the victory was short-lived. Doctors soon discovered two small spots on his spine and a brain tumor that caused him to lose use of his left arm and leg. He resumed chemotherapy treatments and underwent brain surgery in January.

Eli was born with Hirschsprung’s disease, a potentially life-threatening condition that blocks the intestines. He was taken by Flight for Life to Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin when he was 2 days old. At age 3 weeks, he had surgery and is now “filling his diapers like a champion,” his mother reports. “Our entire experience at Children’s Hospital was a positive one. We are so thankful that Children’s Hospital is here.”

Erica was admitted to Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin with suspected pneumonia in May 2007. Within hours, Erica was in multiple organ failure and fighting for her life in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. Two days later, she was diagnosed with a rare disease called Takayasu arteritis, an inflammation of the arteries. This inflammation shut down her kidneys and damaged her heart. She was kept in a drug-induced coma for eight days and spent more than two weeks in the intensive care unit. “During our stay at Children’s Hospital, the doctors, residents, nurses, therapists and anyone involved in Erica’s care showed us nothing but compassion, respect, kindness and genuine concern,” said her parents. “This not only went for Erica, but for our entire family. We saw doctors cheering with our highs and tearing with our lows.”