Angel's Story - Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH)

Before every check-up with Dr. Kay’s, he would always ask my parents to send him my report card, and when I saw him, he would tell me that he was so proud of how well I was doing in school. It wasn’t until I was old enough to truly understand CDH that I realized why he would make such a big deal about my grades. To most outsiders, CDH is ‘limiting’, but for me, it is the complete opposite. My CDH drives me to do well in school, and because I was lucky enough to have an amazing doctor like Dr. Kays, I am able to pursue all of the things that I love to do, things that most people would be surprised that I am able to do. I am in 10th grade at an International Baccalaureate school, and even with the challenges I have had to face along my journey, I am able to run the 800 meter dash with ease. Today I am healthy, happy, and blessed, thanks to my loving parents, as well as my amazing medical family at Shands, who have been with me each step of the way in my CDH journey.