Ben
Ben was a full-term baby, born with a congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Due to severe respiratory failure, he was placed on ECMO (extra corporeal membranous oxygenation, i.e. heart and lung bypass) for nine days. After ECMO, he needed a ventilator for six weeks. Still requiring oxygen, he was discharged from the hospital at three months of age. His oxygen was discontinued after one year. He was re-hospitalized numerous times throughout the years due to problems with his lungs.
He is now an active 15-year-old. He loves sports of all kinds, especially backyard basketball, and received an academic achievement award at the end of the ninth grade.