Rylee's Story - Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH)

As a human, we strive daily to be the best we can be and give our children the life they deserve. Needless to say when you find out your sweet babies life is on the line, you do whatever it takes to help ensure they survive!

My daughter, Rylee Mae East, was born in September of 2010 with CDH (Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia). When they first told me She had it, I had never heard of it and didn’t even knew how to pronounce it. This awfully horrid defect I’d never heard of quickly changed our world and became something I would need to live with each day. We faced many trials from her 5 week NICU stay. There were many ups and downs, but she conquered them all. After the NICU she developed scoliosis, as CDH kids sometimes do. She has had 7 upper body Mehta castings and 4 providence braces. She also has had some respiratory concerns and asthma issues that make even common colds scary.

Each day is a new journey and now almost 8 years later, full of ups and downs. But every challenge has been a learning experience. It has changed my way of thinking and the way I approach motherhood! Knowing I can confidently help my daughter face the world and handle her struggles. It’s the greatest joy to be the mother of a CDH survivor and to be her advocate, cheerleader, entourage, and full supporter from the time we wake up each morning to the time we fall asleep in the evening. I pray everyone who gets the CDH diagnosis be blessed and come to find happiness within the diagnosis. It’s not an easy life, but it can be so rewarding!