Meet Our Champions

Maurice and Xavier were both born with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), a rare condition where an opening in the diaphragm allows abdominal organs to move into the chest, crowding the heart and lungs. Maurice’s CDH went undiagnosed until his pediatrician noticed unusual breathing at 18 months old. At Rady Children’s, his parents were reassured and supported as he underwent surgery. Doctors warned he might need to relearn to talk, walk, and eat, but Maurice recovered amazingly. His stay in the pediatric intensive care unit included therapy dogs, wagons, and playrooms, resources made possible through philanthropy. Five years later, younger brother Xavier was diagnosed with CDH in utero. His case was more severe, requiring multiple surgeries, including hernia repairs, g-tube placement, and treatment for complications. He also received therapies and specialized care until age three. Today, the brothers are thriving, active, and healthy thanks to the expert care of Rady Children’s.