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International Pediatric 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.

Sofia's Inspiring Journey with SMA

Sofia was born with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type 2, a genetic condition that affects the spinal cord’s ability to control the muscles, decreasing and limiting mobility. In Sofia’s 6 years of life, she has already overcome more medical challenges than most adults. Read this story.

Li Travels all the way from Shanghai to Nicklaus Children’s for Management of his Complex Heart Condition

Li Hongyang, 37, traveled all the way from his hometown of Shanghai China to find the best possible care for his complex heart condition. What he did not expect is that he would receive his lifesaving treatment at a children’s hospital. Read this story.

Infant flown from Puerto Rico days after Hurricane Maria for Lifesaving Surgery

Naialee Perez had just given birth to her first child, a baby boy named Liam, when a category five hurricane was making its way towards her hometown in the island of Puerto Rico. Liam was on a ventilator and undergoing treatment for a congenital heart defect in Hospital del Niño in San Juan while those on the island prepared for what would become one of the most catastrophic hurricanes in its history. Read this story.

Patient of the Month: Mariana

Meet our October Patient of the Month, Mariana. Mariana was born with Crouzon syndrome, a genetic disorder that prevents the skull from growing normally. For Mariana, it also caused difficulties with her breathing, but unfortunately, in Venezuela, where Mariana was born, they did not have the resources to treat her condition. Read this story.

Boy with Rare, Genetic Syndrome Returns Home to Trinidad After Complex Craniofacial Surgery

A team of surgeons from Nicklaus Children’s Hospital’s Craniofacial Center performed a complex reconstructive surgery on a seven year-old child that will improve his vision and ability to eat, as well as his appearance and overall quality of life. Read this story.

Hallie Travels Around the World for a Cure

Hallie McKeithen traveled all the way from China to undergo surgery at Nicklaus Children's Brain Institute to treat her seizures. Thanks to the treatment received, Hallie is now seizure free. Read this story.

Gia’s Road to Remission

Gia was born with Vacterl syndrome when she was just 3 years old after her mother noticed blood in her urine. Soon after, Gia was diagnosed with a tumor in one of her kidneys. Originally from Jamaica, the family moved to South Florida to pursue treatment at Nicklaus Children's Hospital. Read this story.

Patient of the Month: Juan Pablo

When he and his family were still living in Venezuela, Juan Pablo was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma, an aggressive type of cancer. Watch Juan Pablo’s story and help us raise awareness throughout the month of September for Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month. Read this story.

Leondre's Success Story

Leondre was born at just 24 weeks old weighting only 1lb, 9oz. A week after his birth, he was flown to Nicklaus Children's Hospital, formerly Miami Children's Hospital, to receive advanced care in the hospital’s Level 1 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Read this story.

Home to Russia with Love

A surgical team led by Dr. Cathy Burnweit, Chief of Pediatric Surgery at MCH, performed a marathon 19-hour "heated chemotherapy" procedure that has only been used for pediatric patients at a handful of centers within the U.S., saving 12-year-old Daria Rozhkova. Read this story.