Meet Champion, Nico

Born at 32 weeks, Nico faced life-threatening challenges from the very start. Doctors knew before his birth that he had a diaphragmatic hernia, but after delivery, they discovered even more severe complications. His stomach was attached to his windpipe, and his esophagus wasn’t secured within his body. He is one of only 18 known cases worldwide to survive these two rare, simultaneous conditions. Nico spent five months in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), undergoing complex care and surgeries to give him the ability to eat and breathe safely. Since then, he has continued receiving specialized care at Golisano Children’s Hospital of Buffalo, working closely with the feeding clinic, pulmonology, and other departments. His journey is a testament to the power of expert, compassionate care.