Unique recovery program helps Karson thrive

Karson was born prematurely at 24 weeks, weighing only one pound. He was rushed to the NICU at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, where he faced numerous challenges, including being intubated, battling infections, undergoing blood transfusions, and struggling with retinopathy of prematurity. Thanks to his committed care team, Karson fought hard and went home after four months. A few months after being discharged, he was diagnosed with stage four subglottic stenosis, a narrowing of the airway between the vocal cords and trachea. His condition required a trach tube, which severely limited his movement. That’s where Le Bonheur’s Collaborating to Help Everyone Effectively Recover (CHEER) Program truly saved the day. The initiative provided essential support to mobilize Karson and help him become more independent, promoting early recovery. Team members worked with his family to forge a trusting relationship and ensure they understood every part of Karson’s condition. Now three years old, Karson is doing well in school and is set to have his trach tube removed and reconstruction surgery shortly after!