Inspiring Patient Stories

Read inspiring stories of hope from patients and families treated at Nicklaus Children's Hospital.

Have your own inspiring patient story to share? If you’d like to share your Nicklaus Children's story to inspire hope, and help other families find answers to questions they’re seeking for their child, please contact us at: info@nicklaushealth.org.

As you read these inspiring stories, we invite you to help us be there for the children by making an investment in their future through a contribution to Nicklaus Children's Hospital Foundation.

Donate now

Search by title

Patient of the Month: Naomi

June 30, 2025 – Diagnosed with scoliosis at six years old, Naomi has been fighting hard to prevent further curvature of her spine. After years of trying various treatment options, and with puberty causing greater curve progression, Naomi and her family sought other treatment options. It was at Nicklaus Children’s Orthopedic, Sports Medicine & Spine Institute where Naomi and her family found comfort and hope.

Patient of the Month: Jack

May 29, 2025 – Kimberly's pregnancy was going well until a 20-week anatomy scan revealed concerns for her baby boy. After this initial shock, the family turned to The Prenatal Heart Program at Nicklaus Children's Heart Institute for further evaluation.

Sebastian’s Journey to Bottle Feeding

May 22, 2025 – For the Rodriguez-Bacero family, Sebastian’s birth was filled with mixed emotions when they unexpectedly learned their precious baby boy was born with Pierre Robin sequence, a rare condition characterized by a small lower jaw, a tongue far back in the mouth, and difficulty breathing.

Patient of the Month: Mark

April 30, 2025 – It is difficult for Mark, a non-verbal young man living with Autism, to communicate his ailments. But after a visit to the Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Emergency Room (E.R.), Mark’s life changed for the better. This one visit led him to a specialized team of physicians from the Division of Gastroenterology and the Undiagnosed Disease Clinic which would provide more insight into Mark’s overall health.

Caring for Matthew: Managing a Very Rare Disease

April 03, 2025 – Matthew was diagnosed with Phelan-McDermid Syndrome (PMS), a rare genetic disorder that affects development, speech, and cognitive ability, and requires extensive medical care and round-the-clock support. Despite his challenges, Matthew radiates love and joy, and his family is advocating for increased awareness of PMS while seeking potential treatments for the condition.

Patient of the Month: Adam

March 31, 2025 – At three, Adam's family moved to Florida, where they started fresh with a new medical team for his stage four Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). At Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, Adam received expert care from a multidisciplinary team of specialists from Nicklaus Children’s Division of Nephrology, Division of Endocrinology, and Division of Gastroenterology, all who helped him overcome various health issues and be where he is today.

Luigi's Journey Toward a Better Tomorrow

March 31, 2025 – Luigi's parents faced fear and uncertainty when their son was diagnosed with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and severe seizures at six months old. Thanks to the compassionate care and innovative treatments at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, Luigi has made remarkable progress, and his family has opened a PPEC facility to support other families navigating similar challenges.

Jamie's Heart Saved Thanks to a Free EKG Screening

March 25, 2025 – Jamie was found to have a heart condition thanks to a free EKG screening held at a City of Miami summer camp in 2024. Nicklaus Children’s and the City of Miami joined forces to extend the hospitals free EKG screenings program to children in City of Miami parks. Jamie’s heart was repaired in the hospital’s cardiac catheterization laboratory and his family can feel comforted in knowing his heart is healthy.

Lily happily trotting during her therapy session.

Lily Shines a Light on the Importance of Early Detection of Neuromotor Delays

March 12, 2025 – Lily, age 2 ½, is walking independently and making remarkable progress, thanks to rehabilitative intervention at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital and an early diagnosis of cerebral palsy.

Unique Collaboration Saves Boy with Pancreatic Tumor

March 05, 2025 – Harry’s world was turned upside down when a severe abdominal pain landed him in the emergency room. His parents were stunned to learn he had a large mass covering nearly 80 percent of his pancreas. Thankfully, Harry’s family was connected to Nicklaus Children’s Hospital’s pediatric surgery team for emergency surgery.

Patient of the Month: Carmella

February 28, 2025 – After Carmella developed bruising and red blood dots on her skin, she was rushed to the emergency room at her local hospital in Palm Beach. Initial tests showed a low platelet count, prompting further testing. At Nicklaus Children’s Helen & Jacob Shaham Cancer & Blood Disorders Institute, Carmella was diagnosed with Severe Aplastic Anemia (AA) and required a bone marrow transplant – her little brother Angelo was a perfect match and became her donor.

Against the Odds: Jack's Fight for Life

February 04, 2025 – Kimberly and her husband learned their unborn son, Jack, had a congenital heart defect (Transposition of the Great Arteries), and after being referred to Nicklaus Children's Hospital for specialized care, Jack underwent open-heart surgery within days of his birth, leaving his future uncertain.

A Remarkable Recovery for Rydon

January 07, 2025 –

Rydon was ready for school and outside in the yard with the family’s beloved dogs when the unthinkable happened. The two puppies, excited by passersby on the other side of the fence, leaped at Rydon, injuring him, and yanking off a large portion of his scalp. Quick thinking by Rydon’s big sister Aubrey helped get the dogs under control and the family on the way for medical help.

Patients of the Month: Crane Twins

December 30, 2024 – Born prematurely, twin brothers Benjamin and Emilio have faced health challenges since birth. Parents Maria Paula and Francisco’s concerns intensified when one twin’s stomach became grossly distended. Within a year, both boys were diagnosed with Hirschsprung’s disease, a rare congenital condition with only 21 known cases in identical twins, that negatively impacts the colon. Thanks to the team at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital’s Colorectal Center, the twins underwent life-changing surgery.

Natalie's Journey with Scoliosis

December 17, 2024 – Natalie was diagnosed with early onset scoliosis at 19 months and underwent years of treatment, including casting, bracing, and three surgeries, under the care of Dr. Stephen G. George. At age 12, after her final surgery to correct her spine, she completed her 10-year treatment journey and is ready to move forward.

Patient of the Month: Wyatt

November 26, 2024 – Born with a rare lung disorder known as congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM), Wyatt required specialized surgical treatment to remove portions of his lung. Thanks to the world-class care at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, Wyatt, who recently celebrated his first birthday, continues to meet developmental milestones.

Child Gets Second Chance at Life Thanks to Lifesaving Cancer Treatment

November 05, 2024 – Joffre Emmanuel, born with Down syndrome and later diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia, has defied the odds since birth. After unsuccessful treatment in Ecuador, he received lifesaving immunotherapy and CAR T-cell therapy at Nicklaus Children's Hospital, leading to significant improvements and is back to enjoying his childhood.

Juniper Bryan aka Junebug and her mom at her bellringing

Beyond the Diagnosis: Juniper's Story

October 30, 2024 – At just four-years-old, Juniper has proven she can tackle anything, including a cancerous brain tumor.

Jamie smiling, making a heart with his hands

Jamie's Heart Story

October 28, 2024 – Jamie was found to have a congenital heart condition thanks to a free EKG screening held at a City of Miami summer camp in 2024.

Patient of the Month: Jameson

October 23, 2024 – After being attacked by a bull shark at the age of 10 while snorkeling in the Florida Keys, Jameson’s resilient spirit shines through every day. Thanks to lifesaving and continued care at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital from an expert multidisciplinary team, Jameson is playing baseball like the true champion he is.

Nicklaus Childrens Hospital Patient Stories

rss