Bradley was born at 38 weeks via emergency c-section due to the loss of fetal movement. Shortly after birth, he was rushed to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for oxygen support and later began to have apneic seizures. Due to the complexity of his case and the uncertainty of his diagnosis, he was transferred to Nicklaus Children’s Hospital via LifeFlight.
Within 72 hours, Bradley was enrolled in a grant-funded genetic study and was placed on medication to help control his overproduction of insulin or hyperinsulinemia. Several tests later, it was confirmed that he suffered from significant diffused white matter damage and his parents were advised to expect developmental delays and to be aggressive with early interventions. Feeding and swallowing required therapy and a G-tube. Due to the constant bloodwork and glucose testing, Bradley also became anemic, and two blood transfusions were performed. Finally, after 54 days, Bradley graduated out of the NICU and came home to begin a journey of healing.
Since then, Bradley’s G-tube was removed and he continues to see a multidisciplinary team of specialists at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital for ongoing treatment and care. Today, he is a joyful and happy boy with a contagious smile.
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