Speak Now for Kids Family Advocacy: Tad's Story

Published on: 08/10/2020

Theodore “Tad” Hartrick had a rough start to life. He was born with a congenital heart defect called hypoplastic left heart syndrome, cleft and lip palate and CHARGE syndrome, a rare and complex genetic condition that can affect many different organs and structures of the body.

Over the last two years, Tad has spent months at a time at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, where a multidisciplinary team of specialists from the hospital’s various programs have come together to provide comprehensive and coordinated care so Tad can reach medical and developmental milestones. Although he is only 2, he has already undergone numerous surgeries and procedures.

Tad’s parents, Tyler and Micheleen, say they are grateful for the care that Nicklaus Children’s continues to provide to their son. In fact, the family relocated from Destin Florida, nearly 10 hours away from Miami, so that Tad can live near his specialists.

Like Tad, there are many children in the state and in the nation who rely on access to pediatric care and Medicaid funding in order to provide the best possible chance at the highest quality of life.

Hear from Tyler Hartrick on what Nicklaus Children's Hospital means to him, Micheleen and their son.

A message from Tyler Hartrick:


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