Meet Champion, Caroline

After 16 years of infertility, Caroline’s mom was overjoyed to be expecting her “miracle baby.” At her 20-week ultrasound, she learned that Caroline had Down syndrome and a severe heart defect, requiring surgery. Born six weeks prematurely, Caroline was medically airlifted to Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center, where she spent eight weeks in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and received a G-tube to help her feed. At seven months, her heart was repaired and by her first birthday, the G-tube was removed. At two and a half, Caroline was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. She received treatment locally, made possible by specialized pediatric equipment funded through Children’s Miracle Network. A heart infection during treatment was resolved thanks to new technology that avoided a risky transfer out of state. Today, Caroline is a thriving, active child whose journey shows the power of expert, localized care.