Heart, NICU

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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Childrens Hospital Foundation

Local bread business nourishes families

In the overnight hours, while most are sleeping, the ovens at Rosa De Oro bakery in Louisville are hard at work. For Yolanda Acosta and Alonso Lopez, baking isn’t just a business — it’s a labor of love, a family tradition and a way to give back to the community they cherish. Yolanda and Alonso,…

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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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Childrens Hospital Foundation

Norton Children’s Hospital Foundation partners with book program thanks to$100,000 grant from PNC Foundation, honors Junior Bridgeman

Infants born at Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital will soon begin receiving free books, thanks to a collaboration between the PNC Foundation, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and Norton Children’s Hospital Foundation. The launch of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library at Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital is funded by a $100,000 grant from the PNC Foundation and…

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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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Norton Childrens Medical Group

Talking to your kids about tragedy

The Rev. Rick Forest, chaplain and bereavement care coordinator at Norton Children’s Hospital, and Clinton Nowicke, Psy.D., clinical pediatric psychologist with Norton Children’s, offer thoughts on how to talk to kids about tragedy in a community. The most important thing is to be there for your children. They look to you for answers and support. If your child…

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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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News

How to talk to teens about alcohol: A parent’s guide

For many parents, the thought of their teenager experimenting with alcohol can be unsettling. Yet research shows that most teens will be exposed to drinking, whether through peers, social media or even at family gatherings. Knowing how to talk to teens about alcohol in an open, honest way can help protect them from serious risks….

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News

Teen acne treatment guide for teens and parents

If your teenager is dealing with acne breakouts, they’re not alone. Acne is incredibly common; most teens experience some type of acne during adolescence, making it one of the most universal aspects of growing up. While navigating teen acne treatment might feel overwhelming, understanding the facts can help you navigate this phase with more confidence….

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News

Why your child needs the HPV vaccine: A parent’s guide to cancer prevention

The HPV vaccine represents one of the most powerful tools available to prevent multiple types of cancer in your teenager’s future. Yet many families remain uncertain about this important immunization. Understanding the facts about HPV and its prevention can help parents make informed decisions that protect long-term health. What is HPV? Human papillomavirus, or HPV,…

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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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Gynecology, Norton Childrens Medical Group

How long does a first period last?

Bleeding during your first periods may only last a few days and be very light — sometimes as little as a few spots of red or brown blood. If the bleeding lasts more than seven days, you should contact your pediatrician or a pediatric gynecologist. It will take your body some time to get into…

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