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The Martins' greatest hope for their son is that he will lead an independent life and reach his fullest potential. “We want him to grow and thrive and be an exceptional human,” said his parents.

Aydin was diagnosed with C.H.A.O.S (Congenital High Airway Obstruction Syndrome), laryngeal stenosis, VSD (Ventricular Septal Defect), and an inverted anus at birth. CSH gave his parents hope for his future.

“My greatest hope for Penelope is that she will have every opportunity everyone else has,” her mom shared. “She will be able to grow and live an easygoing life. I want her to be a carefree child who can run around and play and do everything the other kids do. I hope she has a healthy and long life."

Penelope developed several condtitions as a result of prematurity including necrotizing enterocolitis, a condition that affects the intestines and a grade 4 Intraventricular Brain Hemorrhage. She had three abdominal surgeries, two brain surgeries, and a ventricular aorta shunt and gastrostomy tube (G-Tube) put in.

If Callie had not received that personalized experience at CSH, her parents don’t know where she would be today. “That moment changed everything for me,” said Amanda. She didn’t walk. She ran down the hall and seeing her have that independence was one of the best moments ever for her and me.”

Callie faced a challenging start in life at nine days old when she suffered a brain bleed, which resulted in an intracranial hemorrhage. This caused her to develop hydrocephalus and epilepsy, ultimately requiring a shunt.

Nelson and Genesis just want their daughter to live a happy life with the best quality of care possible. “Every child is unique,” said the parents. “Children’s Specialized doesn’t count her out because of what she won’t be able to do statistically. They never let the impossibilities of her disability stop her.”

When Nyla was only two days old, she was diagnosed with Lissencephaly, a rare condition that affects only 1 in 100,000 babies.

“My greatest hope is that he will continue to get stronger and be able to walk more independently,” said Nikos’ mom. “The team at CSH has been so amazing. They’re willing to do anything they can to help these kids and the progress Nikos has made is just incredible.”

At her 20-week scan Nicole learned their baby had spina bifida, a neural tube defect where the spinal cord fails to develop or close properly. Nikos had surgery immediately after his birth.