Our son, Kieran, was diagnosed with a severe form of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH) in utero. Our first obstetrician recommended we terminate the pregnancy given the severity of the diagnosis. Kieran was given a less than 25% chance of surviving and, if he did survive, we were told his life would be short and filled with many complications.

The team at Children's Minnesota had a different perspective. They agreed the diagnosis was severe but said "each life is an individual fight. We will do everything we can to help your child survive and thrive". We are delighted to say they succeed in every way. Kieran is now a happy, healthy, vibrant 11 year old who loves life. 

We are so grateful to each of the care providers at Children's Minnesota we interacted with. We are raising money for the Pediatric Pain, Palliative Integrative Medicine Program which played a particularly important role in our positive outcomes - helping Kieran not just survive, but thrive. We are inspired by their deep commitment to continued learning, integrated medicine, and innovation to support each and every individual child. 

We have learned so much on our journey that we also wrote a book about our experience and learning to be published in January 2020. Proceeds from book orders prior to Jan. 29th and the celebratory launch will be donated to the Pain Program as well. Learn more about the book and launch event HERE.

Your contribution is most appreciated and will deeply help other children and families.

Some examples of what donations can provide for the Pain clinic:

• $100- 4 baby books designed for families with babies born with serious illnesses
• $250- family legacy project and child life guidance
• $500- auricular acupuncture training for 1 provider
• $500- Family legacy project with child life guidance and 3 bereavement visits to support children who have lost a sibling
• $1,000- Family legacy project with child life guidance, bereavement visits to support siblings and school visits to support the child's friends and school community in coping with their loss
• $2,500-electric massage table for the St Paul campus
• $2,500- 50 massages for children with HIV, 50 massages for children with cancer, 50 healing touch sessions
• $5,000 - 3 months of integrative medicine supplies for children on the inpatient floors (essential oils and nausea bands)
• $10,000- Bringing a child from the intensive care home to spend their last hours, including ambulance transportation, medical equipment, specialized medical and psychosocial support to maintain the child's comfort and support friends and family while life support is removed in the child's home