Jude has continued to thrive through the years, doing great at school and even trying out soccer and swimming (the things we never imagined possible!) He is turning 12 next month and starting middle school this upcoming school year. We are so proud of him!

In eleven years, some of the memories from the NICU have faded. We have a reminder of Tug’s beginning of life through a scar that remains on his chest. However, the gift we have been given through Dr. Kays’ care is a son who is not afraid to be his own unique self.

He’s 6 years old, has a blue belt in taekwondo, and enjoys swimming, singing and reading. We’ve lost count of the number of people that say there’s something special about him… but we know there is. He’s a CDH survivor.

He also endured many complications during his 92-day NICU stay. At 7 days old, he had an intestinal perforation; at 3 weeks old, he suffered a pulmonary hemorrhage; and at 2 months old, he had a horrible infection. We know that it is because of God and the skills he has given Dr. Kays that we are able to enjoy our son and watch him grow, despite all the challenges he faced early on.

When we had Logan, our family became much larger than just the three of us. Going through this journey, the CDH community has been so supportive. They've become family.

I can also tell you that I owe all of the precious memories I made with Lilly to Dr. Kays and Joy. I know that I would not have had that time with her if Dr. Kays had not treated her. It also feels good as a parent to have the knowledge that I did all I could for her. She deserved the best. By seeking out Dr. Kays, I gave it to her.

We still needed more information before choosing our path. These tests would give a pediatric surgeon a better understanding of our child's severity and help us make the best decision for our son.

We can hardly believe it’s been 9 years since Adam made his grand entrance into this world. As many of you can relate, at birth, Adam couldn’t make any noise voluntarily because of his very severe CDH. We have had so many ups and downs over the years, but despite the rockiness of the climbing, keeping our eye on his upward progression has kept us moving forward with hope!

The first year with a child born with CDH is hard, challenging, and very overwhelming at times. But these babies come here fighters and they are extremely strong.

She loves Doc McStuffins and says she wants to be a "Baby Nurse" when she grows up. She is the complete opposite of what the original doctors said. She is not neurologically damaged. She is a survivor.

We were devastated. I can remember sobbing all the way home and my husband holding it together until he talked to his dad. When he said, “Dad, it’s not fair” and his voice broke, I could have ripped my heart out.

I couldn’t believe this was happening to me. I cried for weeks. I couldn’t look at babies, kids, or other pregnant women without my heart breaking.

No ECMO was needed, and he continued to thrive. He was a little slow with feedings, but finally picked it up. I was able to hold him for the first time 2 weeks after he was born. I also was able to pump the whole time he was in the hospital, so he received it via tube and then bottle once we got to that point.