C.S. Mott Children's Hospital

Meet Parker one of our Little Victors from our 2024 calendar. “Parker was born in November of 2021 with his twin sister at Mott. Parker was diagnosed in utero at 22 weeks with a congenital heart defect called hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). After birth, he spent 105 days at Mott, which included three open-heart surgeries (PA bands, a hybrid Norwood and the full Norwood) along with two additional lifesaving surgeries. After all this, he was released to come home to his twin and family. In the summer of 2022, he underwent his fourth open-heart surgery called the hemi-Fontan. We’re so thankful for Parker's surgeon Dr. Jennifer Romano, his cardiologist Dr. Jeffrey Zampi, his pediatric surgeon Dr. Karen Speck, and the extraordinary PCTU nurses, especially Erika and Kelley from 10 West. Parker continues to be seen at Mott for follow-ups. Parker is such a happy little boy who loves the world and everyone in it. We couldn't be prouder of our strong heart warrior.” Hail, Parker! Learn more at mottchildren.org/calendar.

Among things many families don’t wish to pass down to their children and grandchildren: medical issues. 1 in 5 parents say their child has been diagnosed with a hereditary condition, and nearly half expressed concerns about their child potentially developing such a condition, the national Mott Children poll suggests. But can parents prevent their child from experiencing a health problem that runs in the family? More on the findings: michmed.org/y5knz

🐾 | We're celebrating our tail-wagging heroes on #InternationalDogDay with some pictures of our Paws4Patients Facility dogs! Working across various units, from both C.S. Mott Children's Hospital and Michigan Medicine, they touch lives in ways only a dog can! Show some love for Barney, Dashiel, Fawn, Anna, Bugle, McCoy and London. Here's our full Paws4Patients roll call: Barney- Mott (12W and Nyman Unit for Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Wellness) -- 📸 #1: Barney in his "work pose” Fawn- Mott (Pediatric Palliative Care Service) -- 📸 #2: Fawn meets Survival Flight Bugle- UH and occasionally Mott (No One Dies Alone Elder Life Program, AES, and occasionally CES) -- 📸 #3: Bugle with students Anna- UH and occasionally Mott (Spiritual Care) -- 📸 #4: Anna helping with our surgery prep book McCoy- UH (Adult Psychiatry- 9C/Partial Hospitalization Program) -- 📸 #5: Maize and Blue McCoy Dashiel- Mott (7E Coach Carr Cancer Unit, Sophie’s Place Studio) -- 📸 #6: Dashiel looking very fetching in a raincoat London- UH (6C, 6D/CCMU) -- 📸 #7: London upside down

Meet Owen one of our Little Victors from our 2024 calendar. “Owen was born with transposition of the great arteries. We were unaware of Owen’s diagnosis until he was 37 weeks gestation. Unsure of what was ahead, we knew our little boy would be a fighter. At just two hours old, he had a balloon septostomy done with Dr. Zampi. At four days old, he underwent his atrial switch operation with Dr. Romano. After 13 days at Mott, Owen came home where he continued to thrive. He is so full of life and the happiest little dude you’ll ever meet! We will forever be grateful for Dr. Zampi, Dr. Romano and all of the PCTU staff who helped our warrior!” Hail, Owen! Learn more at mottchildren.org/calendar.

Meet Hannah one of our Little Victors from our 2024 calendar. “At her 20-week anatomy scan, Hannah was diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). This was our first time learning of single ventricle heart defects. At 34 weeks, we made plans to deliver at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, 13 hours away from home. Hannah was born full of life and curveballs in October 2022. She underwent the Norwood procedure at five days old and spent three days on ECMO as part of her recovery. After two long months inpatient, Hannah was discharged! Hannah struggled to stay healthy, which delayed her hemi-Fontan and resulted in more time spent inpatient, including another seven days on ECMO. At about 9 months old, Hannah finally received the hemi-Fontan procedure. Hannah is a thriving, spunky and happy one year old! She will have the Fontan procedure in the coming years at Mott. We are so thankful for her care team: Dr. Jennifer Romano, Dr. Todd Sower, Dr. Alyson Pierick, and the many phenomenal nurses!” Hail, Hannah! Learn more at mottchildren.org/calendar.

Register today for Updates in Pediatric Medicine CME Conference on November 16, 2024!

Meet Noah one of our Little Victors from our 2024 calendar. “Noah's journey began with a simple heart murmur detected at birth. However, on his second day of life, an echo revealed a complex reality: he had four heart defects. He was transferred to Mott via Survival Flight, where at just 8 days old, he underwent open-heart surgery to repair three of the four defects. Incredibly, just one week after the surgery, he was discharged. After months of outpatient physical therapy and hard work, Noah is now on track with every other baby his age. Noah is not just a survivor; he's a thriving, happy, and healthy baby, defying the odds and shining as our true miracle.” Hail, Noah! Learn more at mottchildren.org/calendar.

Meet Sonny one of our Little Victors from our 2024 calendar. “Sonny was born with critical aortic stenosis. At two months old, he had surgery to have a Berlin Heart implanted as a bridge to transplant. And on February 13, just in time for Valentine's Day, he received his new heart. Following his surgery, Sonny suffered a large stroke that impacted the left side of his body, but after 245 days in the hospital, we were able to bring our Sonny home. He is now 1 year old and continues to defy the odds. He loves being home with his big sister and works hard daily at PT, OT and feeding therapy. We are so thankful for our healthy and happy warrior boy with the smile that lights up any room!” Hail, Sonny! Learn more at mottchildren.org/calendar.

Meet Nathan one of our Little Victors from our 2024 calendar. “Nathan was born premature at 29 weeks. In October 2018, at 10 weeks old Nathan contracted respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and was rushed to the emergency room at C.S. Mott Children's Hospital. He could not breathe on his own. He spent 7 weeks in the PICU and came home with a tracheostomy. Two and a half years later, Dr. Green and his team of ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists removed a narrowed part of Nathan's trachea allowing him to breath without assistance for the first time. He is now a thriving 5-year-old and we are grateful every day for the work of Nathan's team.” Hail, Nathan! Learn more at mottchildren.org/calendar.

Too much screen time isn't just a concern for kids. Daily notifications from mobile devices may also stress parents out, suggests a new Mott Children study. “Parents are often juggling parenting and home life with work and other responsibilities simultaneously. It makes sense that feeling pulled away by phones may bring additional stress," said lead author Tiffany Munzer, M.D., developmental behavioral pediatrician at Mott. More on the findings: michmed.org/PnRbv