My son, Brady Eikleberry, was admitted to Akron Children’s NICU on March 15, 2002. He was diagnosed with tracheoesophageal fistula, an abnormal connection between the upper part of the esophagus and the trachea or windpipe.
At 9 months old, Brady’s medical procedures capped my insurance and we fought the state of Ohio, with the support of the NICU staff, to get the medical insurance we needed to care for Brady at home.
On June 25, 2003, after 15 months in the NICU, Brady was at last discharged. We brought him home with a ventilator and feeding tube.
The hospital was an hour and a half away but was a constant support in our daily lives.
As Brady grew, he had many admits to the hospital, but his lungs grew stronger and hospitalizations became less and less.
Brady will soon be a teenager. He is admitted to Akron Children’s at least once a year to help him fight cold viruses that most kids get over in just a few days.
I truly do not know how we would have gotten where we are today without the love and support of this wonderful hospital.
As part of our year-long anniversary celebration, we’ll be telling the story of Akron Children’s through the eyes of past and present employees, doctors, donors, volunteers and patient families. We encourage you to share your own memories and stories about us.