Dierks has a large family who adores him as well: grandmas, aunts, and even his very special great-grandma, who prayed for him every day during his journey. We are incredibly thankful for the Children’s Hospital of Milwaukee team, Prevea OT, and all the love from his friends and family! 

Santiago is almost 6 months old. He is tachypneic at times, which was expected, with one lung being smaller than the other. I’m sure we have a long road ahead of us, especially with the cold season coming up, but we are so grateful to have our baby here with us. We are also grateful to everyone at the Children’s Hospital of Orange County NICU!

Since being home, Grayson has thrived tremendously. He is completely off oxygen and has recently started eating 100% orally. Though he is smaller (1-2 percentile), he has met every milestone so far. Despite being given every reason to feel upset, he is one of the happiest babies you'll ever meet. He loves going on walks, cuddling, talking to people, and watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse!

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!

Ellie loves spending time outside, swinging, reading, kicking everything in sight, and singing in the car. We wanted to write this story to give other families hope, especially those facing multiple diagnoses. CHD and genetic conditions on top of CDH can be complicated, but these babies are so strong. We are here to support everyone facing this scary diagnosis!

We didn't find out about CDH until I was 36.5 weeks pregnant. But now, Cannon is truly the happiest baby with the best smile and we are so lucky that he is ours!

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!

Though our CDH journey, by some standards, may seem less severe, it was emotionally taxing. Yet, within our shared CDH community, I find solace and strength. My heart beats with yours, and I send prayers for healing to every CDH family.

When I tell people about his story, they are shocked that this is the same baby. He is a thriving, happy, and healthy little guy. Weston is a speedy crawler and pulls himself to stand. He just started cruising along tables and couches. Some of his favorite things include watching Miss Rachel on TV, chasing after our dog, playing with cars, eating French fries, and laughing at his big brother!

Looking back at Margaux’s journey in the hospital, we are reminded every day how strong and resilient our precious girl is and continue to be thankful for the lifesaving care she received.

Sonny has blossomed into a perfect, beautiful soul, reminding us that life's challenges can be conquered with unwavering faith and a positive mindset. Your presence in our lives is a daily reminder of the incredible strength that resides within you and the incredible love that surrounds you.

Since I have small lungs, I found hobbies I can do without too much strain. I enjoy puzzles, music, and almost anything crafty. I make my own holiday cards for my friends and family. Even though my lungs are scarred, I love to sing.

Vance is active and healthy — he plays ice hockey and soccer and enjoys competing in 5K runs. He is outgoing and social, always making others laugh and smile. His pediatrician once told us with CDH, no two stories are the same, and Vance is writing his own.

Thaigo has brought so much joy into our lives, and we will forever be grateful to the team of doctors and nurses who worked tirelessly for our Tiny Hero!

Joining Facebook groups and hearing all the positive stories gave me so much comfort and hope in the scariest time of my life, and hopefully, I can do that for others by sharing his story. He’s now two months old and doing great!

I'm so thankful for the care we received at John Hopkins. The entire CDH team on that floor is incredible and I will never forget them. I am also so thankful for the Tiny Hero community and the hope I received when I had none!

She's now a feisty two-year-old who keeps us on our toes. She loves to do anything in the water, including swimming, going to the lake and feeding the ducks, or, when we're lucky enough, going to the beach. We cherish every moment we get with Presley because it's one more moment we weren't guaranteed, and that makes every moment that much more special!

Our sweet miracle has overcome so much in such a short amount of time, and my husband and I are so proud of her. Being a CDH mom on top of being a first-time mom has been a rollercoaster, but this sweet face makes it all worth it.

The surgeon was shocked, as were we. First, to see identical twins both with CDH and then the same exact defect. What do you say to the man who saved your children's lives? I just thanked him over and over. A huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders. What a rollercoaster ride!

Kai is officially nine months and she is crawling, rolling over, and standing. She loves to dance and cuddle and play with her big sister. She always has a smile on her face as she continues to show the world how remarkably strong she is. She’s our Tiny Hero!