This is Kenadie. She was born at UCLA after she was diagnosed in-utero with hydrocephalus and a heart defect called Shone’s Syndrome. After she was born, they also discovered she had Peter’s Anomaly, which is a defect of the corneas. She underwent heart surgery at 5 days old to repair her aortic arch, and then had another surgery to place a shunt to relieve the pressure caused by the hydrocephalus. She visited the hospital often for shunt revisions and a second heart surgery. During her last visit, just after her first birthday, her heart was too tired to keep fighting and she passed away.
Her Child Life Specialist, Alisha, was not at the hospital at the time, in fact it was her day off and she was comfortable at home. But when we asked for her, she came straight to the hospital and made beautiful hand prints, foot prints, and a lock of hair for us to keep as special memories of Kenadie. Even though we no longer visit the hospital, we continue to hold the Child Life Program near and dear to our hearts. Alisha visited Kenadie often, brought her toys, and even made sure that we were comfortable and had everything we needed while we were in the hospital. We will always be grateful for the Child Life Program and what it does for children and families while they are in the hospital.
I am a member of The Explorers! Will you run for us?
