Lauren was born at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center with an entire team of doctors from Nationwide Children’s ready and waiting to care for her and transport her to Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
Immediately after birth, Lauren went into cardiac arrest. Prior to arriving at Nationwide Children’s, she had been given seven doses of code medicine and a combined 90 minutes of chest compressions. When Lauren was admitted, her prognosis was not good. Despite being on a ventilator administering 100% oxygen at 150 breaths per minute, her blood gas levels were at dangerous levels.
About 12 hours after she was born, the Ears, Nose and Throat (ENT) Team found a tracheal tear that was causing all of the problems. Dr. Jonathan Grischkan was able to custom fit a trach to bypass the tear and keep Lauren alive.
All of Lauren’s challenges were caused by Nager syndrome, a rare condition that affects the development of the face, hands and arms. Children with Nager syndrome are born with underdeveloped cheek bones and a very small lower jaw.
“Nationwide Children’s Hospital literally saved my daughter Lauren’s life,” says Lauren’s dad, Jeff. “The exceptional care that Lauren has received from Nationwide Children’s has made all the difference in the world. From the minute that Lauren arrived on her first day, when I was told by her admitting doctor that Lauren was one of the sickest kids he had ever admitted and that he had never treated a child that had been given seven doses of code medicine before – the excellent care she has received has made her stronger. Today, Lauren is a happy, healthy, beautiful six-year-old who is reading, writing, walking and talking. Her story is still being written.”
From the most common ear, nose and throat disorders to complex problems that require unique expertise, the ENT Team at Nationwide Children’s is specially trained to treat kids, and only kids. Annually, there are more than 20,000 patient visits to the ENT Clinic and more than 6,000 surgical procedures are performed.
“My daughter truly exemplifies what a great group of people can accomplish when they are given the right amount of resources and are working together as a team. The world is a much better place because of Nationwide Children’s Hospital and Lauren Guminey,” says Jeff.
Lauren is seen and followed by more than 10 clinics at the hospital. Over the past year, she has made incredible strides – literally. She has learned to read, her writing has improved greatly, and the big one – she started walking.
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