As a resident at Seattle Children’s, Dr. Alex Kula brings a unique perspective to patient care: his own history as a youth with a serious illness. Here Alex shares how his uncle gave the ultimate gift, and why the experience drives him to help sick children live healthy and fulfilling lives. I was 15 years […]
Growing up, 19-year-old Wade Washington knew he’d one day need a kidney transplant. The question was never if, but when. “I never really knew what normal was,” said Washington. “I was born with chronic kidney disease, and so it was what I was used to.” As a child, Washington’s condition was manageable, but as he […]
This April, in recognition of Donate Life Month, On the Pulse shares the story of how a life-altering diagnosis put one family on a philanthropic journey to help others in need. When Elliott Kaczmarek was 10 months old he came down with what his parents thought was a stomach bug. “He wasn’t feeling well, but […]
A year ago, On the Pulse shared the harrowing story of 8-month-old Lincoln Seay. Lincoln was born with heterotaxy syndrome, a severe birth defect that caused his heart to develop on the opposite side of his body. In order to survive, he needed a heart transplant. In November of last year, Lincoln was placed on […]
The proverb that suggests it takes a village to raise a child can be easily adapted for parents facing the various challenges that come with having a child with special needs and circumstances. Parents sometimes need the support of a village. Author Kristin Jarvis Adams shared her experiences with On the Pulse in finding her […]
Patricia Alva knew, even before her baby girl was born, that something was wrong. When she was pregnant, doctors detected a cyst on the baby’s stomach during an ultrasound. “It was heartbreaking,” said Alva. After she was born, doctors diagnosed baby Olivia with biliary atresia, a rare disease of the liver. It occurs when a […]
In honor of Donate Life Month, On the Pulse shares an inspiring story of a mother and her son that symbolizes the true act of ‘paying it forward’. Kaden Hollis was only 1 years old when he underwent a lifesaving liver transplant. Throughout Kaden’s journey, his mother Cindie knew that although the gift of life […]
Only a week after giving birth to twins, a girl and a boy, in July of 2008, Annette Cole’s world was turned upside down. Something was wrong with her baby boy, Trevor Clemons. In his first couple weeks of life he was lethargic, irritable and couldn’t keep any food down. She was overwhelmed with fear […]
At only 8 months old, Lincoln Seay, has spent the majority of his short life inside the walls of hospitals. This week, however, marks the start of a new chapter: he is finally going home, or at least he’s one step closer to his home back in Alaska. Only 21 days after receiving a life-saving […]
In honor of World Kidney Day, On The Pulse shares the inspirational story of 5-year-old McKinley Miller who was born with just one kidney that did not develop normally. “She’s our little miracle,” said McKinley’s mother, Jennifer Miller. “We want other people to know there’s always hope. All you have to do is look at […]
