Meet Our Champions

Stella’s journey with MaineHealth Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital (MHBBCH) began when her parents learned they were both carriers of the genetic mutation for cystic fibrosis (CF). While a diagnosis of CF for Stella couldn’t be confirmed until she was born, it likely explained Stella’s bowel blockage detected in the womb. Her family transferred care to MHBBCH to prepare for her delivery. When Stella was born, doctors confirmed her diagnosis of CF. She spent 10 days in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) receiving tests, IVs, and treatments, while her parents learned how to care for her complex needs. Luckily, Stella cleared her blockage without surgery. Before going home, the MHBBCH pulmonary team gave her parents a hopeful pep talk that instilled lasting optimism. Thanks to her specialty care team, she’s thriving, and enjoys being with friends, comics, gym class, smoothie dates with Mom, and video games with Dad.