Meet Our Champions

When David was born healthy and full-term, his parents never imagined anything was wrong. They took him home at 36 hours old. Then, just a day later, they noticed his skin had turned yellow. As first-time parents, they didn’t realize how dangerous jaundice could be. Within hours, David’s bilirubin levels had spiked to life-threatening levels, poisoning his brain. He was urgently transferred to MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital (MUSC), a Children’s Miracle Network hospital, where a neonatal team was already assembled and ready when the ambulance arrived. Within minutes, they began an emergency exchange transfusion, replacing his blood to remove the bilirubin. When his levels remained dangerously high, MUSC went beyond standard medical protocol. They performed a second transfusion just 12 hours later instead of waiting the usual 24 hours. "They saved his life," his mom recalls. "Without them, he wouldn’t be here." The damage left a lasting impact: cerebral palsy, deafness, and muscle tightness requiring ongoing treatments. But David’s spirit, and his care team’s support, never dimmed. He began occupational, physical, and speech therapies as a baby and received a cochlear implant, which helped him learn to communicate. He also credits MUSC’s donor-funded Child Life team for helping him manage medical anxiety and preparing him for every procedure. "We couldn’t make it without Child Life," his mom says. "They make sure every plan is followed perfectly." Today, David is a thriving 16-year-old high school sophomore. He’s passionate about wildlife and dreams of becoming a Department of Natural Resources officer, combining his love of the outdoors with helping people and protecting animals. David’s journey is a remarkable testament to the importance of early intervention, specialized care and compassionate expertise.