Meet Champion, Brayden

At a routine 20-week ultrasound, Brayden’s family learned that he had spina bifida, affecting his spine from the rib cage down. The most urgent concern was fluid buildup in his brain, so they turned to Johns Hopkins Children’s Center for expert care. At 37 weeks, Brayden was born and immediately underwent a four-hour back-closure surgery, followed the next day by a shunt procedure to manage the fluid. Days later, he needed a third surgery to repair fragile skin on his back. Brayden’s recovery was marked by small victories, including the day he pushed away his oxygen cannula and began breathing on his own. Now a spirited, energetic toddler, Brayden continues follow-up care at Johns Hopkins. His family is grateful for the skilled team that helped him overcome the challenges of his first year and continues to support his journey.