Turning grief into purpose
Owen Twigg was born fighting. His strength and a mother’s devotion would inspire Courtney Twigg to pursue a new path in life and in a career. Owen was born March 7, 2020, with a cleft lip and palate. At the time, his mom, Courtney, had been working as an emergency medical services dispatcher for 10…
Read Full StoryMy baby sister battled cancer: This is our story
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…
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It was more than a cold: Elijah’s journey with T-cell lymphoma
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…
Read Full StoryWillow Young and the rare genetic condition doctors caught just in time
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,…
Read Full StoryHow Ezekiel turned a childhood stroke into strength
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….
Read Full StoryNorton Children’s Hospital honors high school senior with graduation
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…
Read Full Story‘Resilient attitude’ and excellent care lead Campbellsville teen back to the sport she loves
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…
Read Full StoryHow Jordan found migraine relief through acupuncture
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…
Read Full StoryA journey of resilience: Kadence’s battle with Guillain-Barre syndrome
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…
Read Full StorySouthern Indiana boy hopeful as he waits for a new heart
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…
Read Full StoryOpen heart surgery through a mother’s eyes
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…
Read Full StoryNorton Children’s patient celebrates recovery
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…
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