I didn’t have time to research or prepare myself for David’s diagnosis. I left the NICU under the impression that he would be a “normal” baby. When I finally felt ready to learn more about what CDH truly is, I discovered Tiny Hero. While hearing others’ stories has been emotional, it has also provided me with comfort, knowing that I am not alone.

Today, Zy is a happy, mostly healthy baby. He loves to play with his siblings, clap his hands, and climb on everything. He has mastered eating by mouth, crawling, pulling himself up to stand, and walking while holding onto something. For everything he has been through, he is the happiest baby we know, and we couldn’t be more blessed and in love!

Once I knew this was going to be my life as a CDH mom and that there would always be medical ups and downs, I realized it's all about how you handle each bump in the road. Being a mom of a child with special medical needs made me so much more grateful for all the little things and milestones of Abel’s life!

For the families who get this diagnosis, with the right team, strength, support, love, and belief in a positive outcome, you will emerge in a world that seems unimaginable at first. The outcome is so different from the beginning. It's a slow, brutal path in the starting weeks and months, but seeing this blessing in action now makes those days feel like a distant memory.

Charlotte came home on December 29th with an NG tube and no medications except Pepcid and vitamin D. Within a week of being home, the pediatrician allowed us to take out the NG tube since Charlotte was taking a bottle and breastfeeding just fine. Our sweet girl is absolutely a Tiny Hero, and I hope that she continues to beat everything thrown at her!

Avery ended up being in the hospital for two and a half months and coming home with a G-tube and no oxygen needed. Now at almost a year old, she's G-tube free and hitting all her milestones. Her heart has developed well, and her echos have been good. It's amazing how strong these babies really are. Even though it's hard, it really is true when people say not to lose hope.

These babies are so strong and they will show you just how strong they are. They’re a miracle. Please, don’t lose hope. This is treatable. Do your research and follow your heart. It’s not a race, it’s minute by minute. Every little accomplishment matters, so celebrate them. Don’t give up hope!

As Roman approaches his first birthday, we couldn’t be any more proud of him. He is the happiest, most determined, and cheeky little boy. He’s hitting his milestones and we are so grateful for him every day.

Being in the NICU stirred up all kinds of emotions. It was hard healing from childbirth while sleeping in chairs, but I did it all for my baby! I knew she needed me by her side. I had many rough days, but we fought together. She was such a strong fighter, my Tiny Hero!

I fought hard for my little girl all these months and will continue to. I questioned them, brainstormed and spoke up when I needed to. I wasn’t afraid to pull everyone in and advocate for family meetings when I got frustrated. My sweet Ella turned one this month and I am forever grateful to be her momma. She is truly a blessing and I am happy to have her here with us all today!

Bryson is a vibrant, active, happy little boy who loves life and having fun! His surgery was performed laparoscopically, leaving not even a trace of a belly scar and his only scar is on the back where they stitched the hold from the breathing tube. His team has no reservations about his growth and development.