My baby sister, Avery, was only 3 when she was diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. I was a senior in high school, enjoying football games and hanging out with friends. I had no idea everything would change in a single weekend. Earlier that week, Avery had fallen out of bed and ended up with…
Everyone in Louisville knows there’s nothing quite like Kentucky Derby day. Whether you’re at Churchill Downs or celebrating at home with family and friends, the sights are often similar: big hats, fun suits and cheering for your favorite horse. But for the Furlong family, Derby Day 2024 will always be memorable — and not for…
When Gina Young gave birth to her daughter Willow, everything seemed perfect. After a smooth pregnancy and delivery, Willow came into the world healthy, crying and nursing well. Gina and her husband, Jarret, already had a thriving 2-year-old son named Maverick, and they brought Willow home just two days after her birth. Everything felt normal,…
When Ezekiel Nzombi was just 2 years old, his family faced a nightmare no parent expects. Ezekiel suddenly began showing alarming symptoms — loss of coordination, slurred speech and one-sided weakness. “He was playing with a basketball and suddenly fell and started crying,” said Megan Nzombi, Ezekiel’s mom. “I went to give him a drink….
Landen Lester, 18, has spent the last several months at Norton Children’s Hospital waiting for a lifesaving heart transplant. While other seniors were gearing up for prom, senior week and graduation, Landen was undergoing treatment for dilated cardiomyopathy and adjusting to life with a ventricular assist device. But one thing he wouldn’t miss? Graduation. Thanks…
Less than a year ago, Lylah Curry experienced numerous severe injuries in an accident and was unsure if she’d ever be back on a softball field. “Now, as I step into the [batter’s] box, all I can think is, ‘Thank God I’m able to play,’” Lylah said. A devastating accident Lylah’s life changed in an…
Jordan Jones loves a good battle. The multisport athlete at Louisville Collegiate School thrives against the toughest competition on the court or the field. But another battle threatened to derail not only her passion for sports, but also the opportunity of being a normal teenager. At age 7, Jordan began experiencing migraine headaches. For nearly…
At 14 years old, Kadence Holthouser was already making a name for herself on the volleyball court. Known for her exceptional skills as a defensive specialist, she was a standout as a freshman at Henry County High School in New Castle, Kentucky, about an hour’s drive northeast of Louisville. Volleyball isn’t just a sport; it’s…
Five-year-old Henry Jones of Salem, Indiana, is one tough kid. He’s been on the heart transplant list for well over a year, eagerly waiting for the right match to come along. Born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a condition where the left side of his heart is underdeveloped, Henry’s heart doesn’t pump blood the way…
Little fingers curled around ours as we waited in Room 3 in the early hours of Jan. 29, 2025. Blocks, Bluey and books splayed on a hospital blanket on the floor; tiny, socked feet with hearts stitched on the ankle strolled down the hall of Norton Children’s Hospital. Our daughter was about to undergo open…
Just days before her 1st birthday, Emersyn Lucas was attacked by her family dog, leaving her with severe injuries. Now, at 2 years old, Emersyn has made a full recovery and recently visited the nurses who played a pivotal role in her healing process. In Dec. 29, 2023, Harley, the family dog, who had always…
As an extreme preemie born at 24 weeks, Myla Hawkins faced uncertain odds for survival. It was a long journey in the Norton Children’s Hospital neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), with a care team that remained dedicated to providing lifesaving care during a series of medical emergencies. Myla overcame all these obstacles and is now…