AdventHealth for Children has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the Best Children’s Hospital for newborn care in Florida for the second year in a row. When you have a child in the hospital, the road to healing and recovery can be long and daunting. At AdventHealth, we are here to support you and your child physically, mentally, and spiritually on your personal health journey.
Central Florida mom Lyndsey says AdventHealth cared for her and her son during an extremely difficult time in their lives. Lyndsey was seven months pregnant with twins when an ultrasound revealed that there was a tumor on one of the babies’ heart and lung. The doctor informed her that the baby most likely wouldn’t survive birth.
Lyndsey says, “I barely remember when they were born. Caleb was rushed to the NICU as soon as he was born for breathing issues. It was a scary fight or flight type of scenario, Connor was okay, but Caleb wasn’t doing well.”
Caleb had his first surgery when he was just seven months old to remove a large mass and the entire top half of his left lung along with it. In addition, when he was 20 months old, a neurosurgeon diagnosed him with hydrocephalus, which means he had fluid in his brain. Baby Caleb had to have a VP shunt placed in his brain to help remove the excess fluid which led to further difficulties.
When Lyndsey and her husband found a new doctor, Kaveh Asadi, MD at AdventHealth, she had more questions than answers about Caleb’s health. Dr. Asadi called Lyndsey before they ever met because he heard about Caleb and wanted to help them. After the call, she knew that Dr. Asadi would be different than the rest of the doctors she and Caleb had worked with.
“Caleb almost died, and I knew he needed a different doctor. I owe my baby’s life to Dr. Asadi. He listened and truly cared about the well-being of Caleb.”
With the help of Dr. Asadi, Caleb was diagnosed with autism and a genetic disorder that is so rare, there is no name for the disease. Now over twelve surgeries later, Caleb is four years old and has an adorable personality and great sense of humor. While Caleb continues to be treated at AdventHealth for Children, Lyndsey finds comfort in the team of professionals who care for her son. While her husband was at home with their four other children, she credits the Child-Life Specialists for giving her the emotional support she needed when Caleb was in the hospital for long periods of time.
“Without the Child-Life team coming to play with Caleb, I wouldn’t have been able to use the restroom or take a shower. Child-Life was the highlight of my day and they gave me companionship when I needed it most.”
When Caleb came home from the hospital, the entire town gathered in support. There was even a parade that had helicopters, police trucks, and ambulances. Lyndsey and her husband have been overwhelmed at the support they have received from the community who rallied around her family and the love she has for Caleb continues to give her strength for their future.
It’s families and patients like these that need your emotional and financial support to continue life-saving treatment. Our Racing for Cancer Research gaming activation through AdventHealth's Play it Forward program will be on May 30, and raise crucial funds to improve quality of life for cancer patients and ultimately find a cure. Donate today and support our littlest cancer patients.
