Golden Cubs

Name: Emerson
Age:18
Hometown: Columbus, Ohio
Diagnosis: Endocarditis

The day after Christmas is typically meant for enjoying new gifts and eating leftovers. But in 2020, Emersen's day was spent bedridden with what she and her parents believed to be a stomach flu. After two days, she still wasn’t getting better and when she experienced a fainting spell, her parents brought her to Nationwide Children’s Hospital Emergency Department.

While there, a blood culture revealed Emersen had a bacterial infection known as methicillin-susceptible staphylococcus aureus (MSSA), which affected her heart. The MSSA caused inflammation of her heart valves and chambers, known as bacterial endocarditis, and Emersen needed open heart surgery to repair a damaged mitral valve.

“We thought that our lives were moving forward after the surgery,” remembers Emersen’s dad, Craig, “until a routine blood test came back abnormal, requiring us to return to the hospital.”

Doctors discovered that MSSA had continued to damage Emersen’s heart, and she would need another open-heart surgery just two weeks after the first. Two weeks following the second surgery, Emersen received an additional diagnosis of a rare aneurysm in her heart requiring a third and final open-heart surgery.

Today, after more than six months spent at Nationwide Children’s, fighting additional issues like organizing pneumonia and blood clots that caused a stroke, Emersen is back to spending time with her friends and family and planning for her future. “Nationwide Children’s is such a special place to me for many reasons,” says Emersen. “But mostly because I know that everyone, I met did everything in their power to get me to be a healthy teenager again.”

The experience she underwent and the care she received at Nationwide Children’s sparked an interest in Emersen in the healthcare field and a desire to help others who are in similar situations.

Name:Jace
Age:11
Hometown: Powell, Ohio
Diagnosis: E. Coli, Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS)

One evening, after picking up 5-year-old Jace from pre-kindergarten, his mom, Christy, received concerning news from his teacher about his pale appearance and unusual behavior. During the brief 20-minute car ride home, Jace fell ill and became increasingly lethargic, with his symptoms worsening. What had begun as a routine pick-up soon took an unexpected turn for Christy.

Upon returning home, Jace used the restroom and discovered blood in his urine. His parents promptly contacted the pediatrician, who conducted blood tests and advised them to await the results. Shortly after they returned, the doctor’s office called to report abnormal lab results for Jace, raising concerns about his kidney function. They were instructed to take him to the Emergency Department at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Jace was admitted and remained in the hospital for nine days. “During what felt like the longest nine days of our lives, we had an amazing team of doctors and nurses who helped us, reassured us, guided us, and were truly angels to our family,” says Christy.

Throughout his hospital stay, Jace underwent blood tests twice daily to monitor his levels. After thorough research, the doctors identified a rare strain of E. coli that was causing kidney failure. Consequently, he was diagnosed with Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), a condition where small blood vessels become damaged and inflamed, leading to clot formation and potential damage to the kidneys and other organs. However, with prayers and guidance, Jace’s numbers began to improve overnight after receiving two blood infusions. He was eventually able to go home as his numbers were moving in the right direction.

Today, Jace still has yearly check-ups with his nephrology doctor, and his family remains hopeful that he will have no long-term effects.

Name: La'Miya
Age: 9
Hometown: Columbus, Ohio
Diagnosis: Pediatric Cancer

Hugs. Kisses. Family. These are the things that got four-year-old La’Miya through eight months of cancer treatment at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. La’Miya’s grandmother first noticed something on La’Miya’s stomach when she laid down for bed one evening. A visit to their pediatrician led to instructions to go to Nationwide Children’s as soon as possible.

La’Miya was diagnosed with stage two Wilms tumor, the most common type of kidney cancer found in children. Her tumor had spread to the adjacent tissues in her abdomen by the time of her diagnosis.

Mark A. Ranalli, MD, the director of the Embryonal Tumor Program at Nationwide Children’s, was La’Miya’s oncology specialist. La’Miya’s family vividly remembers him providing the diagnosis and explaining that this kind of tumor could go from the size of a golf ball to the size of a watermelon within moments, and that treatment for Wilms' tumor usually involves surgery, chemotherapy, and sometimes radiation. Hearing that she was diagnosed with cancer was devastating and frightening for La’Miya’s mother, Mahogany, and something no parent should have to hear.

“It’s been challenging, and it’s been hard trying to keep emotions under way,” Mahogany says, “Not being so afraid and knowing everything was going to be ok. With her being as strong as she’s been, she definitely gave us a lot of courage. To see her makes so many people smile. It makes me smile to know that she just carries this energy and light with her.”

La’Miya has a lot to smile about. After a long road of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation treatment at Nationwide Children’s, she is cancer free. She is still the same fun, energetic, and bubbly little girl who loves to dance, sing, and be a big sister.

“I hope she continues to stay strong as she has been this entire process,” Jamila, La’Miya’s maternal grandmother, shares. And “That she never forgets the journey that she has been on and that she inspires others to be strong. That there is healing and better days to come.”

Name: Layla
Age: 10
Hometown: South Vienna, OH
Diagnosis: Ventricular Septal Defect

Layla was born on January 8th, 2015, a day of both joy and anxiety due to complications during pregnancy. Though she was born healthy, doctors detected a heart murmur during a routine examination, prompting further observation. Her oxygen levels remained normal, but her pediatrician later confirmed the murmur and referred her to Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s Heart Clinic. There, extensive tests, including an echocardiogram, revealed that Layla had a ventricular septal defect (VSD), a hole in her heart, and a constricted aortic arch, conditions that required surgery. The original plan was to allow her to grow until six months old before heart surgery, but her condition worsened the next day when she stopped eating, and her breathing became increasingly rapid.

Recognizing the urgency, her parents rushed Layla to the Emergency Room at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, where she was admitted for further evaluation. As doctors attempted to manage her symptoms with medication, her breathing deteriorated further, leaving them deeply concerned. Their swift efforts stabilized her condition, an act of care that her family would forever appreciate. However, medication alone was not enough, and after careful deliberation, doctors determined that she needed surgery much sooner than anticipated. At just nineteen days old, Layla underwent open-heart surgery, a terrifying ordeal for her parents.

Though the surgery was successful, complications arose, including nicked veins and an arrhythmia. Doctors left her chest open for several days in the cardiothoracic intensive care unit (CTICU) to allow swelling to subside, uncertain whether she would require a lifelong pacemaker. As her body adjusted, some of her heart's irregularities corrected themselves once her chest was closed, marking a crucial step in her recovery. After nearly three weeks in the hospital, Layla was finally stable enough to go home. Recovery was slow, and she struggled to gain weight, but her resilience carried her through the challenges that followed.

Today, Layla lives without restrictions but is still monitored by the Heart Center. She is a thriving and energetic child. Her family remains deeply grateful for the doctors, nurses, and specialists who played a role in saving her life.

Name: Markai
Age: 9
Hometown: Columbus, Ohio
Diagnosis: Weight Management

During Marckai's appointment at the pediatrician, she expressed concerns about his risk of developing diabetes due to his weight and lab results. To address these concerns, she referred him to the Healthy Weight and Nutrition Clinic at Nationwide Children's Hospital. During his appointment, it was recommended that Markai increase his physical activity and enroll in the Play Strong program offered by the Sports Medicine department.

From a young age, Marckai displayed a deep passion for sports. However, his experience on a sports team before joining the Play Strong program often left him on the sidelines, resulting in minimal physical activity. During this time, Marckai overheard a coach mention that he wasn't "fast enough," which deeply impacted his self-esteem. These words made him question his abilities and left him feeling inadequate.

Joining the Play Strong program turned out to be transformative for Marckai. Not only did he begin participating in essential physical activities, but he also rediscovered his confidence. Encouraged by the program, he started incorporating more physical activity into his daily life. At Play Strong, Marckai made new friends, engaged in fun games and activities, and enjoyed exercise without even realizing it. With his renewed confidence, he eagerly anticipated returning to sports in the upcoming year.

The program's therapist, Mrs. Bre, played a crucial role in Marckai's progress. “Her positivity, patience, and encouragement brought energy and motivation to each session. Thanks to Mrs. Bre and the Play Strong program, Marckai's enthusiasm for physical activity has blossomed once again, paving the way for a healthier and happier journey ahead,” says Marckai’s mom, Shauntaia.

Name: Nehemiah
Age: 7
Hometown: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Diagnosis: Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)

After transitioning from breastfeeding to baby food at the age of 8 months, Nehemiah's mother, Logan, started noticing eczema-like rashes on his skin. Upon switching to formula and regular milk, Nehemiah fell ill several times a day. Alarmed by this, Logan sought medical advice and was advised to try a sensitive formula, but this did not improve Nehemiah's condition. One morning, after having scrambled eggs and cereal for breakfast, Nehemiah became lethargic, and his face turned purple. Acting swiftly, Logan called 911, and Nehemiah was rushed to Nationwide Children’s Hospital where it was discovered that he might have gone into anaphylactic shock due to an allergy.

Following this experience, Nehemiah was referred to the Allergy Clinic at Nationwide Children’s. Tests revealed that Nehemiah had numerous food allergies. Despite the diagnosis, Nehemiah continued to fall ill and was severely underweight. At the suggestion of his allergist, Nehemiah underwent an upper endoscopy with a biopsy of his esophagus to test for a potential stomach disease. The results confirmed that Nehemiah had Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), a chronic inflammatory condition of the esophagus. Immediate intervention involved a strict diet and medication to manage the inflammation.

Today, Nehemiah adheres to a strict diet, avoiding allergens and triggers for his condition, but no longer requires medication. He is regularly monitored by the EoE Program at Nationwide Children’s. Despite his challenges, Nehemiah remains a cheerful, bright, and resilient child.

Name: Parker
Age: 13
Hometown: Columbus, Ohio
Diagnosis: Prematurity

At 26 weeks into her pregnancy, Becky faced one of the most challenging moments of her life when her water broke. After a thorough medical evaluation confirmed that she wasn't in active labor, she was admitted to the high-risk unit at Riverside Methodist Hospital. For the next three weeks, bed rest was her only option. Then, at just 29 weeks, she gave birth to her son, Parker, who weighed a mere 3 pounds.

Right after his birth, Parker hit a rough patch, requiring urgent intubation and a transfer to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The neonatologist explained to Parker's parents that he was in critical condition, and there was doubt about whether he would make it through the night. A few hours later, when they finally got to see Parker for the first time, witnessing him connected to various medical devices was heart-wrenching.

Fortunately, Parker’s condition stabilized, and he was extubated within 24 hours. Though he required additional respiratory support for a few more days, he began to steadily improve. Over the next six weeks in the NICU, his family stayed close by, watching over his growth and development. By the time Parker reached 8 months, he was released to go home. However, due to his premature birth, his journey continued at Nationwide Children's Hospital, where he has received ongoing support for various developmental delays, including physical and occupational therapy, as well as assessments from the neuropsychology department to help with his learning challenges.

Now, at 13 years old, Parker is thriving. He excels in sports and is doing well academically. Becky shares, “The resources and expertise at NCH have been vital for his growth and well-being. It’s incredible to see how far he has come—from a critically ill infant weighing just 3 pounds to a healthy preteen defying expectation. NCH has not just been essential in saving Parker's life; they have been our unwavering partner throughout his journey.”

Name: Riley
Age: 9
Hometown: Columbus, OH
Diagnosis: Wilm's Tumor

On July 7, 2022, Riley and her family came to Nationwide Children’s Hospital, seeking answers to what seemed like a swollen intestine. After an ultrasound, the medical team quickly identified that Riley had a tumor, and it was cancerous. Riley was diagnosed with Wilm’s tumor. This would start them on an emotional journey of the unexpected.

Riley's condition necessitated her admission to the hospital and required immediate surgery. A tumor was blocking her entire left side and needed to be removed. However, when the surgical team attempted to remove the tumor, complications arose when excessive bleeding started, forcing the medical team to halt the procedure. As a result, chemotherapy became the next step, with a plan for daily treatments aimed at shrinking the tumor before another operation could be attempted.

During this time, Riley experienced an unexplained fever, which prompted her medical team to stay vigilant. They consulted various physicians worldwide and conducted extensive tests to determine the cause of her fever and find a solution. It was a challenging period, but eventually, they successfully identified the cause of Riley's fever. This brought relief and renewed hope.

After eight months of chemotherapy, followed by a week of radiation, Riley showed incredible resilience. For Riley's mom, Felicia, those early days were overwhelming—she was hurting for her child and unsure how to move forward. “Overwhelmed by the pain of watching Riley suffer, I found comfort in the kindness of the medical staff. They assisted with transportation, groceries, and emotional reassurance, ensuring that my family had everything we needed to get through the challenging days.”

Throughout her time in the hospital, Riley formed deep connections with the staff. One nurse even came in on her day off to administer Riley's IV—because she was the only one Riley trusted to do it. Riley’s battle left her with only one kidney, meaning her journey is far from over. But despite the road ahead, she is thriving, happy, healthy, and full of life.

Name: Tripp
Age: 11
Hometown: Perrysville, OH
Diagnosis: Brain Tumor

In the summer of 2016, two-year-old Tripp was playing outside when he suddenly became weak on his left side and displayed seizure-like symptoms. His parents rushed him to Nationwide Children’s Hospital, where an MRI revealed a brain tumor. The family was devastated by the news.

After meeting with the neurosurgical team, Tripp’s parents faced the difficult decision to proceed with surgery to remove the tumor. Everyone hoped that the tumor could be taken out intact and that it would turn out to be benign. Unfortunately, this was not the case. After a grueling eight-hour surgery, the surgeons discovered that Tripp's tumor was a very rare and aggressive form of cancer. It was malignant and had spread into his brain, meaning it could not be completely removed. The oncology team began strategizing and researching treatment options, all while Tripp continued to fight.

The road ahead for Tripp was long and challenging. The medical team enrolled him in a clinical trial that entailed 18 cycles of IV chemotherapy, requiring multiple hospital admissions, follow-up visits, and MRIs. Tripp's tumor remained relatively stable; however, in February 2024, an MRI revealed that it had begun to spread. Once again, his family and medical team refused to give up. Since Tripp had reached the maximum number of doses for the trial he was in, the oncology team recommended a "sister" chemotherapy that was similar.

After only two months on the new medication, Tripp’s tumor was gone. However, the journey is far from over. Tripp's cancer is aggressive, and he continues to fight against recurrence. He has faced each challenge with courage and resilience.

Tripp is a sweet, energetic, and fun-loving boy. He loves watching The Ohio State University Buckeyes and the Dallas Cowboys, and he enjoys playing golf. He’s not a fan of elevators or when the grocery store runs out of chocolate milk.