Mellissa and Kevin Reaves and Talia and Zach Henderson learned of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia when both of their children were born. Allison Reaves was born in 2015 and Will Henderson was born in 2007. These families share their journey with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia.
CDH is a birth defect that affects over 52,000 children worldwide every year. During gestation, the diaphragm fails to fully form often allowing abdominal organs to reach the chest cavity and restrict lung growth. There is a 50 percent chance of survival with CDH and the cause is still unknown.
Mellissa shares about her daughters’ diagnosis
“We learned of Allie’s birth defect, Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia, during my pregnancy. We were so scared as we had never heard of this birth defect before, and we were terrified that out first born child may not make it home with us. She was born March 2, 2015 and had her repair surgery at 11 days old and spent almost 6 weeks in the NICU at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital. She has endured 2 surgeries, physical, occupational and speech therapy and other side effects that come along with CDH. Today is “thriving” as a happy 8 year old.”
Talia shares about her son’s diagnoses
“May 14th, 2007 our little man, Will, was unexpectedly born with a rare defect. This occurs in just 1 in 5000 babies with a 50% survival rate. Will was born with his lower internal organs herniating his left chest cavity, a half-developed lung and a hole in his heart. He had a very risky, emergency surgery at just two days old. He spent over a month in the NICU – which is short in comparison to so many other babies born with CDH ”
Mellissa and Talia share some interesting facts about their children
“Allie is 8 years old and loves to color, draw and dance. Will is 15 and plays soccer and really loves being able to play and do what he loves. Today was the first time Will and Allie got to meet someone just like each other, another child born with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia.”
According to CDH International, Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia is as common as Cystic Fibrosis and Spina Bifida but has little awareness and very little funding.
CDH International is headquartered in North Carolina. They have helped over 6500 CDH families in all 50 states and 74 countries, through patient services, raising awareness and funding, and participating in global research. Their mission is to support affected families, facilitate research, and raise awareness for Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia.
Mellissa and Kevin Reaves and Talia and Zach Henderson currently live in Greeneville, Tennessee. If you would like to learn more or to make a donation in honor of Allison Reaves and Will Henderson, please visit them at http://www.cdhi.org.
