Isabelle Fortier

Isabelle started her CHaD journey at the Intensive Care Nursery (ICN), where she was born prematurely at 33 weeks. Her parents, Elizabeth and Rich are grateful for the care Isabelle received from expert doctors, who not only cared for Isabelle, but for their family as well. Her team thoroughly answered all of their questions, keeping them informed of Isabelle’s progress.

Today, Isabelle is a spirited seven-year-old, who enjoys being a Kid Ambassador and attending the yearly Dartmouth Health Children’s events. They have helped her gain more confidence, and speak to new people in the community. Her favorite activities include reading, swimming, and sports like t-ball and soccer. She is happy to be a Kid HERO!

Dallas Swanson

Dallas was born with Full Trisomy 18 and was immediately admitted into the CHaD Intensive Care Nursery (ICN). Spending five months there, he underwent heart surgery at just seven weeks old and defied all odds of survival.

He is still followed by a full care team and enjoys visits to the Transitional Long-Term Care Clinic. Now happy and sassy, Dallas is a five-year old who loves dinosaurs and dancing to music. His mother, Megan truly feels that Dartmouth Health Children’s is part of their story, and their family. Dallas is constantly showing his family and his care team that he has more to show everyone!

Silas Brown

Silas endured a brain injury at birth, resulting in his Cerebral Palsy diagnosis. Seeking an Endocrinologist, his family took him to CHaD in 2023, where he now has a team of specialists to aid with his lists of diagnoses as he continues to grow. His mother, Melissa, is grateful they have such amazing doctors close to their home, where they can monitor and treat his new symptoms as they arise.

Although he is nonverbal, Silas has a lot to share with the world. He represents other nonverbal kids, who communicate differently. Using assistive technology and adaptive equipment, Silas shows there are no limits to what he can do. Among his favorite activities are skating on his outdoor hockey rink, spending time outdoors, and swimming!

At thirteen, Silas is an inspiration to so many, representing the disabled community by showing all he can do, and creating a more accessible world.

Chase Dube

Chase was born in 2016 and spent time in the CHaD Intensive Care Nursery (ICN). At a check-up just before his first birthday, Chase’s doctors noticed abnormalities during a routine head and neck exam. Doctors ordered more tests and ultrasounds and quickly diagnosed Chase with Hydrocephalus, excess fluids and pressure on the brain. Chase was scheduled for surgery at CHaD to remove the fluid and pressure from his brain.

At 6 months old, his mother Stefanie also began to notice that some of his features seemed to be a little different than normal. Stefanie began researching and with the help of Chase’s doctors, they found that he was born with a rare genetic mutation called Macrocephaly-Capillary Malformation (MC-M).

Chase is now a very active and happy eight-year-old boy, who has participated in many events with Dartmouth Health Children’s throughout the years with his parents. They are grateful for all the help they’ve received.

Riley Marquis

At just 13 months old, Riley was diagnosed with a rare neurological mitochondrial disease called LEIGH. Battling a combination of shingles, pneumonia, and RSV unfortunately resulted in her need to be on a ventilator 24/7. Given only 2-3 years prognosis, Riley has defied those odds, as she is now a twelve–year–old girl who enjoys music and movies, and unicorns!

Riley visits her doctors and care team at CHaD, and attends school, where she continues to make everyone smile, including her classmates who love the opportunity to see her. Her family, including her mother, Amye, continues to be inspired by Riley, as she smiles through everything she endures.

Amye hopes that sharing Riley’s story helps others see that even in sadness, there is happiness, and we can take each moment as a gift and a memory.