Inspiring Patient Stories

A Remarkable Recovery for Rydon

January 07, 2025 –

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.

Ecuadorian 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.

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'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.

First Surgery in Griffin Surgical Tower: Keily's Story

October 04, 2024 – Keily became our first patient to undergo an operation, a cleft lip-and-palate surgery, in the Kenneth C. Griffin Surgical Tower.

Patient of the Month: Luciana

September 02, 2024 – Despite being born prematurely, Luciana has always been a fighter and was determined to succeed. 

Santi Beats the Odds: A Story of Perseverance

August 30, 2024 – Santi brings joy to everyone around him, despite his medical limitations. At only age 7, Santi has memorized the telephone numbers of all his favorite people, including some of his nurses at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital.

Olivia: A Brave Princess Celebrates Completing Cancer Treatment and Finds New Dreams for the Future

August 12, 2024 –

When Olivia and her parents arrived at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital for the first time in May 2023, they were shocked to receive the news that Olivia had a cancerous growth in her left femur bone.

Jasiah's Journey

July 01, 2024 – For Kimberly, the journey began 26 weeks into her pregnancy when she received life-changing news: her unborn son, Jasiah, had a cleft lip and palate. Just two weeks later, Kimberly developed severe preeclampsia and had to give birth immediately. Jasiah's story is one of hope, healing, and the power of perseverance.

Patient of the Month: Grethell

April 30, 2024 – Grethell had a large and extremely rare tumor under her jaw that required surgical resection. Thankfully, Adilia, Grethell's mother, found Nicklaus Children's Hospital and from Nicaragua, they made the journey for treatment. 

Logan's Inspiring Journey: Breakthrough Pediatric Cancer Treatment

April 30, 2024 – Meet Logan, 8, and his journey battling a relapsed acute myeloid leukemia, which yielded groundbreaking pediatric cancer treatment results.

Samuel's Journey: Triumph Over Unimaginable Challenges

April 26, 2024 – At just three months old, Samuel's life took a turn that would test the strength, faith and resilience of his family. Diagnosed with intractable epilepsy (when seizures can't be completely controlled by medicines), Samuel faced an uphill battle characterized by frequent and severe seizures, developmental delays and numerous health complications that puzzled even the most skilled doctors.

Patient of the Month: Roberto

March 27, 2024 – Roberto was born smaller than average and required further evaluation and testing at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. After being diagnosed with Wolf-Hirschhorn (4p-) syndrome, Roberto was cared by Dr. Parul Jayakar and Dr. Paula Schleifer at the Nicklaus Children's Brain Institute, and would continue treatment at the Rare Chromosomal Disorders Clinic at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. 

Liz: Growing inch by inch

February 12, 2024 – Liz was completely dependent on others to eat, bathe, and dress because of a condition known as a achondroplasia that impacts the growth of bone in the limbs. After learning of limb lengthening surgery, she met with Dr. Ruggles at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital’s Orthopedic, Sports Medicine, and Spine Institute. Now, Liz enjoys the little things like combing her own hair and carrying a bookbag to school.

Patient of the Month: Barbie

January 22, 2024 – Barbara (aka Barbie) was living in Venezuela undergoing treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia when her family decided to travel to Nicklaus Children's Hospital for targeted therapy and additional care at the Nicklaus Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Institute.

Patient of the Month: Wildaline

November 21, 2023 – Wildaline’s had a fast-growing benign tumor on her face was impeding her speech and about to cut her airwaves. She had just days to live.A multidisciplinary team of doctors and specialists moved swiftly to devise a plan and perform life-saving surgery so Wildaline could survive. 

Patient of the Month: Kaylee and Family

October 31, 2023 – A truly remarkable example of not just a brave patient, but three members of the same family overcoming cancer.

Zayia's Success Story

October 02, 2023 – Zayia was diagnosed with pre-B acute lymphocytic leukemia when she was 14 years old. With support from Make-A-Wish Southern Florida, Zayia decided to spend her day giving back to other children undergoing cancer treatment at Nicklaus Children's Hospital.