Isabelle

Isabelle started her CHaD journey at the Intensive Care Nursery (ICN) after she was born at 33 weeks and transported to DHMC. 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

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

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

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

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.

Ellah

Ellah's was born in 2017 at 24 weeks old, which necessitated immediate medical attention. She was flown by DHART to DHMC ICN.

Her medical journey was marked by critical heart surgery, known as Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA), at six weeks old, during which her exceptional medical team provided life-saving care. The team's tireless efforts to extubate her ultimately resulted in a tracheotomy and G-Tube to ensure breathing stability. Following a prolonged six-month ICN stay, Ellah's parents were finally able to bring her home; a momentous occasion that was the greatest gift they could have asked for.

Ellah's unwavering strength and resilience has profoundly impacted their lives as parents. Now eight years old, Ellah continues to thrive, having successfully overcome her medical challenges, and is flourishing in school, reveling in the opportunity to learn alongside her peers. Ellah is, without a doubt, her family's medical miracle, and her parents feel indebted to the medical professionals who guided and supported them throughout her journey.

Hayden

Hayden was born at 25 weeks, weighing 1lb 10 oz. He was transported to CHaD to the Intensive Care Nursery (ICN) where he was fighting for his life. Hayden had a lot of ups and downs and stayed there for 5 months and 4 days. He had several surgeries while he was there including a Cricoid Split Surgery and closure of heart murmur. Hayden wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for his amazing doctors and nurses.

Today, Hayden is full of life and a kindhearted 14-year-old boy. He enjoys being a Kid Ambassador and attending the yearly Dartmouth Health Children’s Hockey event. He loves to play soccer and basketball and hang out with his friends. Hayden has a quiet voice due to his airways but otherwise he is a healthy teenager. He is all about the underdogs and brings smiles wherever he goes. He is happy to be a Kid HERO!

Luca

Luca was born ten weeks early and spent six months in the ICN before coming home. During that time, he endured two surgeries, multiple tests and procedures, and was ultimately diagnosed with a rare genetic disease.

At just under two years old, with his complex history, he is the most resilient and determined little human and continues to amaze everyone. Luca’s family, including his mom Megan, hopes that sharing Luca’s story will help spread awareness.

Holly

Holly’s experience with CHaD started when her mom, Nhu, gave birth at 35-weeks. Holly was diagnosed with ileum atresia and had her first surgery the day after she was born. Holly and her family were at the ICN for 93 days.

Staff at CHaD were supportive from the start. As a first–time mom, nothing could prepare Nhu for the emotional tug of war that comes with caring for a sick child. There were a lot of uncertainties at the time but Holly’s team of doctors, nurses, a case manager, and social worker gave her family hope.

In May of 2024, after 3 hospitalizations due to severe anemia, Holly went through 2 bowel surgeries and spent 6 weeks at CHaD inpatient Pediatric unit. Again, staff were there to support and provided her family with all the resources to make Holly’s hospital stay easier for her mental health. Holly had gone through so much, but when talking about the time she stayed in the hospital, all she has are the good memories where she got to spend time in the playroom, do arts and crafts with the staff, and meet therapy dogs. Her family is forever thankful for all the love and care that Holly has received for the past 7 years.

Angelyn

Angelyn started her journey at CHaD when she was five years old, following a diagnosis of childhood epilepsy.

Angelyn and her family had come to Dartmouth to continue her care, and her medical team grew, after discovering that Angelyn had a rare genetic disorder that affected multiple systems. Angelyn’s family received excellent care from every department they visited at CHaD. Even through multiple in-patient visits that have been quite difficult as a family, they knew they would see a smiling, friendly, and familiar face.

Angelyn’s doctors have left no stone unturned to find a way to help control her seizures. She can experience more than several each day. Ultimately, Angelyn had surgery to implant a neuromodulator in her brain, which is not often performed on children her age or younger.

Angelyn’s family claims the programs at DHMC and CHaD supported them tremendously throughout her care. Her mom, Lisa says “without programs like Molly’s Place, David’s House, and the many things from Child Life inpatient, we wouldn’t be able to continue our care there. Dartmouth doesn't stop helping at the patient, they make sure the whole family is supported.” Now at the age of 12, Angelyn enjoys the arts such as dancing, crafts, and music.

Eliana

Eliana was born with Gastroschisis, experiencing a rough beginning. Dealing with a very long journey, she experienced many setbacks and surgeries as a small, fragile baby. The CHaD team was very hard-working and included members who even played a role in saving her grandmother in 1975!

Since Eliana was born, she has endured many surgeries and still experiences chronic challenges that she does her best to overcome, including many allergies to medications and foods. As an 11-year-old, her long-term goal is to be a NICU doctor and work with the doctor who saved her life! As a Kid HERO, Eliana wants to show everyone that her life is a miracle and the CHaD ICN did so much for her, especially in helping her navigate her medications. Still a CHaD patient, Eliana will forever be a supporter!

Isaac

Isaac was born prematurely with several medical conditions requiring immediate intervention. At 7 months, he was discharged from the Elliot hospital, and his care team was established at Dartmouth Health Children’s. He is a neuroblastoma survivor and continues frequent surveillance for high risk of recurrence. His primary care physician has been instrumental in collaborating with his providers across oncology, neurology, genetics, otolaryngology, gastroenterology, pulmonology, ophthalmology, cardiology and more. At 6 years old, Isaac would like to spread awareness and help advocate for the best care possible, for other children with his condition, congenital central hypoventilation syndrome. He makes friends with everyone he meets and enjoys music, dancing, watching movies, and spending time with his family and home care nurses!

Owen

Calling Owen, a miracle baby would be a severe understatement. At 24 weeks, Owen made his way into this world a fighter. At 1 pound and 10 oz, he was one of three triplets born 4 months too soon, and unfortunately, his battle was far from over. Sadly, the brothers that he came into this world with lost their fight only weeks after they were born, and Owen faced a tumultuous road to recovery.

In 2021, a week after his third birthday, he underwent surgery to have his trach removed, and his speech, motor, and cognitive skills all seemed to have caught up with his age. He began preschool and found immense joy in interacting with children his own age.

Owen and his family lived blissfully as they seemed to be exiting this chapter of Owen’s life, but sadly, he was about to hit another incredibly heavy obstacle. In May 2022, Owen was diagnosed with Stage 4 High Risk Neuroblastoma. He underwent six rounds of chemotherapy and a 12-hour procedure to remove the tumor, followed by 20 rounds of Proton Radiation and six rounds of immunotherapy. Finally, in January 2023, he was cancer free and received his final treatment to prevent relapse last June.

Despite his grueling medical journey, Owen is known for his beaming smile and laughter, traits that have won over the hearts of everybody at CHaD he comes into contact with. His family is grateful to CHaD and credits the hospital for saving Owen’s life.

Sylven

At just four months old, Sylven was rushed for an emergency visit at Dartmouth Health’s Pediatric Cardiology. Meeting his doctor for the first time, they were informed that Sylven was born with a rare heart defect called L-TGA. Sylven proceeded to spend a full weekend at CHaD to be monitored, and his doctor stood by him and his family’s side every step of the way as they prepared for his first heart surgery. All went well, and Sylven started gaining weight. Just this past May, Sylven had another major surgery at Boston Children’s, which went very well without any complications. He continues to reach his milestones as he lives life to the fullest!

With the care and guidance of his entire medical team at both CHaD and Boston Children’s, Sylven was able to enjoy the summer swimming, playing with friends, and has now transitioned into the big kid classroom at school. He receives immense support and care from his teachers. Now at 2 years old, Sylven enjoys cooking, swimming, dancing, and music.

Logan

Logan was born prematurely at just 28 weeks at CHaD, where he spent 60 days in the Intensive Care Nursery. He endured countless procedures and tests, while overcoming numerous hurdles alongside his care team. During this challenging time, Logan’s parents spent over two months at the hospital, and Logan had many visits from his loving siblings. Logan required readmission, extending him and his family’s journey with CHaD. With family and friends supporting them throughout their stay, Logan’s mom Marielle and dad Zachary also credit the outstanding medical expertise they received from the ICN team.

Now 8 months old, Logan is the strongest, smiling, most giggle-filled baby you could imagine! He is full of light and brings joy to everyone around him. He loves playing with his toys, listening to music, and rolling around on his belly. His story represents the incredible impact that CHaD has on families like his, as well as how strong a community can be, coming together during the most difficult of times. Logan’s spirit and determination truly embody what it means to be a Kid HERO!

Haywood

Haywood has been a part of CHaD and Dartmouth Health Children’s since he was 2. He was diagnosed with type one diabetes when he was just 13 months old. His time at CHaD was short, but the smaller office in Dover grew to be like a family. Haywood’s mother, Emilee, is forever grateful for the support over the years.

Haywood is an active 11–year–old boy who enjoys all things sports and being outdoors. He plays flag football along with tackle football in the fall and basketball in the winter season.

Lucy & Sally

The day she was born, Lucy was transported to Dartmouth Health Children's for apnea and seizures. Lucy's mom said that as soon as they arrived at CHaD, they knew they could exhale a sigh of relief because Lucy would be in "good hands." After two months and many visits to the intensive care nursery (ICN), Lucy was diagnosed with KCNT1, a rare genetic form of epilepsy.

Now, Lucy has a team of specialists on her side dedicated to her care, something that her family feels very grateful for. But it is not only a team of medical professionals who have been by her side, Lucy's sister Sally has also been her biggest cheerleader rooting for her along the way. Sally hates when Lucy has seizures, but thinks she's the best sister ever. She misses her every time she has an appointment and isn't home in the evening, but wanted to say "THANK YOU" to doctors and nurses for taking such good care of her sister. "We feel so lucky to have a world class hospital in the woods of New Hampshire," her mom said. "CHaD has support and resources to help the whole family navigate a very challenging diagnosis."

Conner

Conner was born prematurely in May of 2013 by emergency C-section at Concord Hospital. He was having trouble breathing and was transferred to the ICN at CHaD, where we would spend the next 5 1/2 weeks. While he was a patient at CHaD, Conner received some of the best care possible. The care team was amazing and helped Conner's family through one of the scariest times of their lives. Now at the age of 12, Conner loves to play hockey and attend the yearly events for Dartmouth Health Children’s. He is happy to be a Kid HERO this year and be an advocate for other kids who are at CHaD, just as he was cared for as a baby.

Keir

Keir’s story with CHaD started at birth, where doctors first detected a heart murmur. He spent his first year of life with ongoing monthly visits and catheterization. This was followed by his first heart surgery in 2013 at Boston Children’s. For nine years, Keir visited his doctor for semi-annual check-ins. Just last April, it was determined he would need a second intervention. This heart surgery was a success, using the Ross Procedure, which used Keir’s own tissue to repair his aortic valve. Keir’s mom Heather is grateful for the ongoing support and care they received from his doctors at CHaD. With close monitoring and collaboration, they allowed Keir to grow stronger each year.

Living with a congenital heart defect has not been Keir’s only battle. In 2021, his dad Andre passed away from cancer. Keir was just 8 years old. Andre had always planned to take Keir to Paris to see all the sights and Disneyland Paris. Even though Andre couldn’t fulfil this dream, Keir’s team at CHaD partnered with Make-a-Wish and worked with Keir and his family for several years to plan a special dream trip to Paris. This trip was meaningful in so many ways, but most importantly, honored Keir’s special bond with his dad.

Now at 13 years old, Keir enjoys outdoor activities like swimming and skiing. As a Kid HERO, Keir and his mom want to show other heart warriors that heart surgery does not take away from the kind of life you hope for and deserve. They want to help others to not feel scared and alone.

Astraea

In January 2025, Astraea (7 years old) was diagnosed with an extremely rare and aggressive childhood brain cancer, CNS Neuroblastoma FoxR2 Activated. Interestingly enough, Astraea is no stranger to rare disorders. At three years old she was diagnosed with a very rare genetic disorder, STXBP1–disorder.

Since Astraea received her brain cancer diagnosis in January, she has endured tumor removal surgery, six weeks of radiation, and is currently starting her third round of chemotherapy (out of six). It has not been easy for her, but her family remains extremely grateful for the wonderful and compassionate care she's received from her care team. Despite facing two rare diagnoses, Astraea’s spirit shines. She lives in Vermont with her parents and two brothers. She loves Summer, warm breezes, colorful lights, windchimes, swimming, birdwatching, and the joy of being surrounded by her family and friends.