Meet Our Champions

When Rondell’s mom went in for her 20-week ultrasound, she expected a joyful appointment surrounded by friends. Instead, doctors delivered heartbreaking news: her baby had Tetra-amelia syndrome, a rare condition where all four limbs are absent. Though she was told her son might not survive, she refused to give up hope. Born prematurely at just 2 pounds, Rondell was delivered by emergency C-section and immediately transferred to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at McLeod Children’s Hospital, a Children’s Miracle Network hospital. There, McLeod’s team provided highly specialized care, treating complications and helping Rondell grow stronger each day. After 51 days in the NICU, Rondell went home, a tiny fighter already defying every expectation. Now seven, Rondell attends school, plays baseball in the Miracle League, and continues to amaze his family and care team with his strength and determination.