Meet Our Champions

When Rondell’s mom arrived for her 20-week ultrasound, she was joined by two close friends, ready to see her first baby on the screen. But the joy quickly faded when the ultrasound technician’s demeanor changed. She was sent to her OB, and after several tense moments and phone calls outside the room, he quietly said the words that changed everything: "Your baby doesn’t have arms or legs." He had Tetra-amelia syndrome. Shocked and heartbroken, she blamed herself, wondering what she could have done wrong. Doctors warned her that her baby might not survive after birth, but her love for her son was unwavering. Born prematurely at just two pounds through an emergency C-section, Rondell entered the world silently. His grandmother nicknamed him Butter Bean, tiny enough to fit in the palm of a hand. At McLeod Children’s Hospital’s, a Children’s Miracle Network hospital, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), Rondell was placed under the care of a team who treated his respiratory distress, anemia, and other complications of prematurity. Despite his rare condition, Rondell had no other major medical issues. Over 51 days in the NICU, Rondell grew stronger, learned to feed by mouth with occupational therapy, and eventually was able to maintain his body temperature. His care team became family, celebrating every ounce gained and milestone reached. Today, Rondell is a thriving seven-year-old who loves playing baseball in his community’s Miracle League. He’s made remarkable progress through ongoing physical therapy, learning to roll, sit, and even balance on his own. Weekly home visits from his therapists have opened new doors for his independence and the possibility of prosthetics in the future. His mom says, "Rondell has overcome every odd. He’s my miracle."