CDH International’s Patient of the week is CDH Survivor Braxton McLeod. Braxton’s family had this to share:
“Braxton McLeod was born June 11, 2019 weighing 7 lbs. 10 oz. He was immediately rushed to the NICU because he came out not breathing well. Can you imagine not being able to hold your baby for weeks? It is not easy being a parent to a baby, but if he is sick it is extremely difficult. Not having answers for days and weeks made it even worse.
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Braxton got his first helicopter ride to his new home for the next 3 months which was Benjamin Russell Hospital for Children in Birmingham, Alabama. After many tests at Children’s Hospital, Braxton was diagnosed on July 25 with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH). This was a defect that we had never heard of before. His repair surgery was August 1st. He rocked his surgery like a hero! Because he was intubated for so long and had developed an oral aversion, he also had a G-tube placed to assist with feeding.
![](https://cdhi.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Braxton-McLeod.png)
After spending 126 days in the hospital, Braxton was finally able to go home. What a glorious day that was! CDH is different for each child, but they can thrive. It is filled with doctor visits and check-ups. However, the joy of having him home and watching him grow overrides all of that. Everyday, we are raising awareness about CDH.”
![](https://cdhi.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Braxton-McLeod-1.png)
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