Letter from our Founders
Dear CDH Community,
From the day Adam was diagnosed at our 20-week ultrasound, we became advocates—his voice before he had one. The diagnosis of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH) turned our world upside down. We were met with somber looks, heavy words, and the suggestion to terminate. Doctors said his severe case meant a poor quality of life. But we chose to fight.
What followed was a journey of relentless research—doctor visits, second opinions, medical records, late-night email chains, and tear-filled prayers. All while doing our best to keep a brave face for our five other children, telling them, “We’ll do our part to get Adam here. The rest is up to God and the doctors.”
We know the feeling of a diagnosis shattering your world. That’s why we founded Tiny Hero—so no family has to walk this path alone like we once did. We’re here to offer what we didn’t have: hope. Because these children are fighters. They are full of potential. And they deserve someone in their corner.
Through financial grants, one-on-one connections with other parents, our advice-packed website, and even those late-night, desperate phone calls—Tiny Hero stands beside families 365 days a year.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of Tiny Hero, and we are overwhelmed with gratitude for how far we’ve come. Our vision remains clear: to be the first landing spot for families the moment they hear the words “CDH.” We dream of a growing community—statewide, nationwide, and global—where best practices in CDH care are shared, and hope is never in short supply.
While getting through that initial hospital stay is a monumental challenge, we also know how important it is to have a supportive community waiting for you on the other side. The hard days don’t end when you leave the hospital, and neither should the support.
We’ve seen amazing growth over the past decade. From knowing each family by name to now reaching thousands, our network has grown beyond anything we could have imagined. And while we may not be able to connect with every family personally, our community of Tiny Hero parents has stepped up, offering support, connection, and strength through our social media channels and beyond.
We beam with joy when we see our Tiny Hero shirts worn by babies and parents in hospitals across the country—each one a badge of courage, a symbol of solidarity.
The narrative around CDH is changing. Survival rates are rising, hope is spreading, and it’s all because of you—our community of families, supporters, and donors who have made this possible. Your belief in our mission means that families feel seen, supported, and reminded that their child’s story matters.
So, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you. Let’s keep the momentum going. Let’s continue pushing for the day when CDH is #NoLongerFatal. Onward and upward to another decade of immense growth for Tiny Hero!
With gratitude and hope,
Annie and Steve Zolman
Founders, Tiny Hero
Adam’s parents!
