Sammy Scott (9) suffers from a rare genetic condition called Shashi-Pena Syndrome which is caused by a mutation of the ASXL2 gene. Sammy is one of 50 known people in the world with this condition. He is also hyperinsulinemia where his body produces too much insulin. He needs blood sugar checks throughout the day and must use his… Read more »
The Cundiff Family
On October 12, 2016, Kathy & Eric Cundiff had triplets that arrived 4 months premature. They were immediately admitted to the NICU and required multiple procedures and surgeries. After 134 days, Cameron and Layla were finally brought home for the first time. Tragically Matthew was laid to rest at just 4 months old. Both Layla… Read more »
The Ryan Family
Lucy (10) and Winnie (5) Ryan have an extremely rare form of mitochondrial disease which is a progressive disease that causes physical, developmental, and cognitive disabilities. Experts have indicated that less than 20 people in the world are currently known to have mito with the FDXR gene mutation. Given the rarity of their condition, medical… Read more »
The Zwier Family
Beckham Zwier, 17 lives in Antioch, IL with his parents Bret and Nikki. After experiencing a healthy pregnancy, Beckham had been diagnosed with Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum, (ACC). This means the bridge that connects the left hemisphere of the brain to the right did not develop. Along with ACC came a bundle of other… Read more »
The Cerney Family
Gavin Cerney, a beautiful 9 year old boy, was born with severe autism, epilepsy and ataxia. This rare type of autism along with his others conditions has disabled him completely. Gavin has never walked, talked or been able to communicate in any way. The medicine for his seizures help him slightly, but make him more… Read more »
The Gonzalez Family
Alex Gonzalez was born on November 12, 2012 via a quite normal pregnancy. However, at childbirth normal tests revealed that Alex had life threatening low platelet levels and he was immediately placed into the NICU at the University of Chicago (UIC). After a few weeks in the NICU, various tests, and a second successful platelet… Read more »
The Lux Family
In Spring of 2017 we found out that our son Tristan’s heart has a dilated aortic root with leakage. Looking at other symptoms, Tristan’s cardiologist suggested having him tested for Marfan Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that affects the body’s connective tissue. Connective tissue holds all the body’s cells, organs and tissue together. Tristan was diagnosed… Read more »
The Kud Family
Kayla was born on March 28, 2012 and welcomed into the family by her parents, John & Melissa (Rapp) Kud, and big sisters, Gianna & Aubrey. She is a beautiful and wonderfully made child of God, but with many health issues which affect her development both physically and academically. She spent 34 days in the NICU,… Read more »
Janowiak Family
Imagine losing your mother in your sophomore year of high school. Now imagine enduring the lose of your father during senior year and being faced with a life of complete uncertainty. Meet the Janowiak boys from Indian Head Park, Illinois. Matt, 19, is a sophomore at Saint Louis University and a 2013 graduate of Fenwick… Read more »
Wilmot Family
In 2014 our host family is the Wilmots from Chicago’s Southside. Dan Wilmot, a Marist Alumni, was a hardworking Electrician at Meade Electric. Before having a family Dan served his country in the Air Force, retiring with the rank of sergeant. He was a man who juggled a packed schedule of school events, coaching sports,… Read more »