Hope Starts
With You

Wyatt was diagnosed in utero with a heart defect. He was transferred to Phoenix Children’s CVICU at birth, but his health was too unstable for a transplant. While waiting for a new heart, Wyatt and his mother, MaryAnne, met with music therapist Sara Jane Klaus. These sessions provided sensory stimulation and allowed Wyatt to be a kid. He received his transplant shortly before he turned 8 months old and went home soon afterward. “[Phoenix Children’s] saved our son’s life,” MaryAnne says. “We’re so grateful.”

Preemie twins Madden and Maverick spent nearly four months in Phoenix Children’s NICU. While there, Madden had a severe brain bleed. At the age of 1, he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Now 2 years old, Madden is thriving and working hard to walk, talk and eat. Phoenix Children’s is now a second home to Madden’s family, helping them with resources like gas and meal cards and a physical therapist they see as a “real gift.”

Iris was diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome at 28 weeks gestation and underwent two open heart surgeries during her first year of life. She is currently awaiting a heart transplant. “Regardless of Iris’ circumstances, she’s the happiest baby girl. She is thriving and loved to the fullest,” says Cece, Iris’ mom. Cece was so inspired by the strength and resilience of one of Iris’ nurses, Andria, that she decided to pursue a career in nursing.

When London was 1 week old, she was admitted to intensive care because her kidneys were failing. Thanks to the donation-funded Palliative Care Program at Phoenix Children’s, her parents felt reassured that their voices were heard as they began to navigate her complex care. Now 2 years old, she undergoes daily dialysis as she waits for a kidney transplant. “She does it with a smile and a heart of gold,” says her mom, Sierra.

When Gemma was 6 months old, she was diagnosed with an exceedingly rare genetic condition called TRIT 1, a type of mitochondrial disease that affects all of her body’s systems. She uses a wheelchair, is fed with a G-tube and communicates with an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device. Gemma’s parents are able to maintain her quality of life thanks to the philanthropically supported Palliative Care program at Phoenix Children’s.

Alicia sustained a traumatic brain injury in a car crash, resulting in the loss of mobility on her entire right side. After treatment by Phoenix Children’s emergency department, the 7-year-old remains in outpatient rehab. Thanks to donor-supported programs like Child Life, Art Therapy, Animal-Assisted Therapy and Spiritual Care, Alicia’s tough days are a little easier. “The whole rehab team knows when she’s in the gym because of her laugh,” says her mom, Adriana.

Ayla had a stroke before she was born, and Phoenix Children’s neurologist Dr. Saunder Bernes was brought in to evaluate her after the delivery. Now 8, Ayla still sees Dr. Bernes regularly for her epilepsy. The experience has made Ayla’s mom, Shelly, an advocate for her child and Phoenix Children’s. Shelly says Ayla doesn’t let the challenges of her condition get in the way of her love of ballet, softball and school. Ayla loves her life and works hard to achieve her many accomplishments.

Cheston’s medical journey began with an autism diagnosis when he was 3 months old. Various other diagnoses followed over the years, including epilepsy and an anxiety disorder. Cheston’s mom, Hope, praises the excellent care from everyone at Phoenix Children’s, which has helped Cheston cope with his anxiety about being in the hospital setting. He feels more comfortable there thanks to Child Life, a philanthropy-funded program. Now 13, Cheston enjoys writing books, coding and animation.

When Carter was 4 years old, he stopped walking, began losing weight and had unexplained bruising on his face. He was diagnosed with leukemia and admitted to Phoenix Children’s. He then began outpatient chemotherapy. “He was brave, strong and so positive,” says his mom, Marie. Since the successful treatment, he and his family have held several toy drives and collected hundreds of toys for Phoenix Children’s patients so no kid would ever have to be in the hospital without a toy.

Alexis has had a long, complex medical journey due to her diagnosis with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS), a rare connective tissue disorder. The philanthropy-funded Child Life program has helped keep Alexis at ease during numerous procedures and tests, and she has found comfort in visits from therapy dogs as part of Animal-Assisted Therapy, another donor-supported program. Alexis’ parents believe she gets the best care at Phoenix Children’s, saying, “She’s defying the odds right now … we thank Phoenix Children’s for a lot of that.”