Our sweet Liam has been fighting for his life since before he ever entered the world. During pregnancy, our family received the heartbreaking news that he had Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH) a rare and life-threatening condition that affects about 1 in 2,500 babies. CDH happens when the diaphragm doesn’t fully form, leaving a hole that allows abdominal organs to move into the chest and prevent the lungs especially the left one, in Liam’s case from developing properly.

CDH babies often struggle to breathe at birth and need immediate, highly specialized medical care. Because Liam’s case was so severe, his parents were told he would need treatment at a hospital with CDH expertise. That meant leaving home, family, work, and their entire support system behind to relocate to St. Petersburg, Florida, where Dr. David Kays at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital has dedicated his career to saving CDH babies just like Liam.

As Liam’s aunt, watching my family uproot their lives was heartbreaking, but giving Liam the best chance at survival mattered more than anything.

Liam was born on September 24, 2025, already fighting with every breath. His lungs were extremely underdeveloped, and even with immediate intervention, he couldn’t get enough oxygen on his own.

On September 26, Liam was placed on ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) — a heart-lung bypass machine used only for the sickest babies. ECMO takes over the work of the heart and lungs, giving fragile babies time to rest and heal. It was the only thing keeping him alive.

Only one day later, on September 27, Liam had his CDH repair surgery, moving his organs back into his abdomen and closing the hole in his diaphragm. Because his lungs were still much too weak, he remained on ECMO after surgery. After nearly a month of fighting, on October 24th Liam was separated from the ECMO machine and on October 25 Liam was officially decannulated (the ECMO cannulas were removed).

These were the moments our family prayed for every single day. His lungs finally had a chance to try working on their own.

Just as Liam began making progress, doctors discovered another complication: a duplication cyst near his duodenum.

A duplication cyst is a rare congenital condition where an extra segment of intestine forms. It can cause vomiting, feeding issues, and even obstruction — a huge challenge for any baby, let alone one recovering from CDH and ECMO.

On November 25, 2025, Liam underwent another major surgery where the duplication cyst was removed, a Nissen fundoplication was performed to prevent severe reflux, and a G-tube was placed to help him safely receive nutrition as he grows and heals.

Even after everything he has endured, Liam continues to show unbelievable strength and resilience.

Liam’s parents have spent months away from home, living in St. Petersburg while their baby fights for his life in the hospital. Relocating, missing work, covering travel costs, and managing the emotional toll of a critically ill newborn has created a financial burden much heavier than anyone could have prepared for.

Your support will help with medical expenses not covered by insurance, supplies, equipment, and ongoing care Liam will need as he continues to recover.

As Liam’s aunt, I am doing everything I can to support this incredibly strong little boy. Nothing means more than knowing people care about Liam and believe in his fight.

Thank you for taking the time to read Liam’s story and for supporting our family through the most difficult journey we have ever faced. Every donation, prayer, and share helps lighten the burden and allows Liam’s parents to stay focused on what matters most, helping their son heal and giving him the bright future he deserves.

Liam is our warrior. And with your support, he will never fight alone.