Reid’s CDH Story
When Reid was 7 months old, I became very concerned because he was sleeping nearly 24 hours a day. Reid had experienced serious complications while in utero that required several blood transfusions, and I worried those complications had returned.
I took Reid to his pediatrician near our home in northern Indiana. We soon discovered the reason he was sleeping so much was that one of his lungs had been compressed to only 25% of its normal size due to his liver, stomach, and intestines migrating into his chest. He was immediately diagnosed with a congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH).
His defect required surgery to repair the opening. I remember the pediatrician saying, “I will find a local surgeon who is willing to do the surgery.” That did not sit well with me. I knew about the outstanding reputation of Riley Hospital for Children, so I requested that Reid's surgery take place there instead.
We were on our way to Indianapolis the very next day—a three-hour drive that would ultimately save his life.
During surgery, his abdominal organs had to be moved back where they belonged. The damaged portion of his diaphragm was stitched to the healthy tissue, and the remaining defect was repaired with mesh.
Riley literally saved his life.
But not just once—twice.
When Reid was about 13 months old, he had been sick for months. He wasn't responding to treatment and seemed to have a constant cough. Having already experienced the exceptional care at Riley Children's Hospital, I went straight to the source and called the surgeon who had performed Reid's CDH repair, asking for a referral to a pulmonologist.
At 14 months old, Reid was diagnosed with severe asthma. Breathing problems are often associated with CDH, and Reid's asthma was so severe that, in the beginning, it required monthly—and sometimes even more frequent—trips to Indianapolis to see Dr. Givan, his pulmonologist.
When Reid started kindergarten, he was taking four nebulizer treatments every day, including two during school hours. Thankfully, his asthma gradually improved. Today, it is much less severe and only flares up occasionally. His regular visits to Riley eventually ended when he was around seventh grade.
I am incredibly grateful for Riley Hospital and its dedicated doctors and nurses. Thank you. You saved my son—twice.
Reid went on to become a very active child, participating in 4-H and sports throughout his youth. He graduated from Triton Jr./Sr. High School and then attended Hanover College, where he earned a double major in History and Political Science. While there, he also served as a student football coach for the Hanover Panthers.
He later earned a Master's degree in History from Illinois State University.
Today, Reid is an Academic Advisor and Instructor at Purdue University Northwest.
From a baby fighting for his life to a successful educator helping students achieve their goals, Reid's journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and the impact of exceptional medical care.
