Heart, Patient Stories

A petite fighter emerges during care for complex, life-threatening heart condition

As a newborn, Magnolia Lee Ford-Conway was diagnosed with transposition of the great arteries (TGA), a complex heart condition that requires early surgery after birth for survival. Today, the energetic 3-year-old from Bowling Green, Kentucky, loves books, dolls and playing with her older sister. Magnolia’s mom, Mekinsey Ford-Conway, clearly remembers the difficult days after her…

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Epilepsy, Neurosciences, Patient Stories

More than a decade of trust: How Cole, family found stability and hope in epilepsy care

When Cole Wilson was a toddler, life changed in an instant. A nighttime tumble from his crib turned into something far more frightening the next morning, when he had his first seizure over breakfast. For his mom, Sabrina, the fear was instant. Living in Berea, Kentucky, at the time, Sabrina took Cole to the nearest…

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Diabetes, Endocrinology, Patient Stories

From scary diagnosis to sports success: Colton’s journey managing Type 1 diabetes

When 12-year-old Colton Buse took the field as the Norton Children’s “Superhero of the Game” at a recent Louisville City FC match, it was about much more than soccer. For Colton and his family, it reminded them how far he’s come since his Type 1 diabetes diagnosis. Colton is an active teen from Santa Claus,…

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Epilepsy, Neurosciences, Patient Stories

How brain surgery helped Lydia overcome epilepsy

Brain surgery is always a challenging journey, but for Lydia McCloskey of New Albany, Indiana, the combination of skilled surgeons, advanced technology and personalized care made it possible to overcome a life-threatening condition. Lydia’s story began before she even entered the world. Born at just 33 weeks after her mother experienced a serious pregnancy complication…

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Heart, NICU, Patient Stories

Baby J.T.’s congenital diaphragmatic hernia journey: From NICU to first birthday

Christmas Day 2023 brought the most precious gift to Jeffrey “J.T.” Fletcher’s future parents — the news that they were expecting their first baby. They felt a whirlwind of nerves and excitement as they imagined their growing family. Everything seemed normal until a routine anatomy scan revealed something unexpected. “The ultrasound showed that the baby’s…

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Fetal Care, Patient Stories, Surgery

Early diagnosis and expertise in prenatal and neonatal care: Felix’s story of healing

It’s one of the most exciting milestones in pregnancy: the 21-week anatomy scan. Like many expectant moms, Hunter Hamilton of Westport, Kentucky, couldn’t wait to watch her baby’s tiny movements on the screen and finally learn if she was having a boy or girl. What started with pure joy at a baby boy quickly shifted…

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Fetal Care, NICU, Patient Stories, Surgery

Tiny, early and a fighter through surgeries in his first weeks of life: Baby Cole’s story and his mom’s

When Amanda Redmon was 29 weeks pregnant — about seven months along — she received news that would change everything. An ultrasound revealed that her son, Cole, had an opening in the diaphragm, the muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen. When a child has this condition, known as congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), the…

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Fetal Care, NICU, Patient Stories, Surgery

A Fighter from the start: Hayes Means’ journey of hope and healing

When Libby Means was pregnant with her son Hayes, she faced every expectant parent’s worst fear. Throughout her pregnancy, doctors discovered she had little to no amniotic fluid —a condition that often signals serious complications for the baby. The medical team discussed with Libby and her family the possibility that Hayes might not survive after…

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Childrens Hospital Foundation, Patient Stories

From Congo to Norton Children’s: Isaac’s life transformed after surgery

For Isaac Kayu, a trip from the Democratic Republic of Congo to Louisville wasn’t just a 31-hour journey across continents. It was his only chance. Isaac, 17, developed a benign tumor on his face. Over the past few years it grew and grew. In Congo, doctors didn’t have the resources to treat his condition. Without…

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NICU, Patient Stories

Norton Children’s helps child thrive despite rare diagnosis

From his very first breath, Vincent Taul defied expectations. “We weren’t sure what to expect, but doctors main concern was how he was going to be able to breathe when he was born,” said Madeline Taul, Vincent’s mom. Madeline recalls having a normal, healthy pregnancy until her 20-week ultrasound revealed something unusual. “I noticed there…

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Patient Stories, Surgery

Born with a rare condition, Hazel Moore breathes freely at age 1, thanks to intensive jaw surgery and care from Norton Children’s

For many parents of newborns, watching their child sleep brings a sense of peace and comfort. But every time Hazel Moore slept in her first few months of life, her mother was filled with fear. “I would not sleep — like I was so terrified,” said Kalie Roberts, Hazel’s mom. “She would choke a lot. It…

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Orthopedics, Patient Stories, Spine

After a spinal procedure, Bailey is on top of her game

At age 14, Bailey Quinn is living proof that sometimes the biggest challenges lead to the most remarkable comebacks. Just months after major spinal surgery for scoliosis, this Owensboro, Kentucky, freshman is not only back on the soccer field—she’s starting with the varsity team and playing nearly entire games. Early signs and diagnosis Bailey’s scoliosis…

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