Each month, CDTC staff nominate one of our children as our Hero of the Month. Each of these special boys and girls are heroes in our eyes. They show strength, perseverance, determination and a positive outlook while facing great challenges.
Their stories are powerful and heartwarming and reflect the impact CDTC and you, our community, has on their daily lives.
Our Heroes
Alfonsina
Born prematurely at Broward Health Medical Center with a congenital disorder at 2 lbs., 3 oz., Alfonsina was never expected to survive, much less walk, talk or even feed herself. With professional help from the people and programs at Children’s Diagnostic &...
Jayce
When Jayce turned two in 2021, his mom Mireya started feeling like something was off. There were little things in his behavior and how little he spoke that prompted her to see the pediatrician. The doctor referred her to Early Steps since he wasn’t putting words...
Dianna & Deanna
This is a year of big transitions for 21-year-old twins Dianna & Deanna. The girls were preemies, both weighing just over one pound when they were born. For mom, Anishka, giving birth for the first time was scary enough. Facing the difficulties of not one, but...
Jacob
Independence is a major priority for 21-year-old Jacob and his family. Jacob suffered a stroke when he was born. The resulting trauma led to Cerebral Palsy and seizures. The diagnosis would change the lives of his entire family. Jacob’s parents worked hard to provide...
Abraham
Dominique’s love for five-year-old Abraham, faith in God, and her CDTC Care team – including Dr. Lafrance and Care Coordinators like Kristen in the Lift a Child to Health Program (LCH) – have seen mother and son through difficult times. Dominque noticed...
Trey Juan
Pamela has her hands full, caring for her nine-year-old nephew, Trey Juan. He learns fast and is super smart in school. He loves to talk and learn from others. And, he has Spina Bifida. When Trey Juan was born, Pamela remembers nothing but worrying. Doctors put in a...
Jaelynn
Kimberly’s fourth pregnancy was unexpected. With three children older than 13, she didn’t expect to begin motherhood over again, let alone with a special needs child. Jaelynn was born at 32 weeks with many medical issues – a congenital hernia, an under developed...
Abner
Eight-year-old Abner has been coming to CDTC’s Pediatric Dental Clinic for the past four years. Like many children with autism, the first visit to this strange new place overwhelmed the shy little boy. It was also a scary place for his mom Cindy, who admits she and...
Rasaan
Twenty-year-old Rasaan is very goal oriented. It’s a trait that not only carries him through life, but through his healthcare as well. Rasaan was diagnosed with sickle cell as a baby. His family had been familiar with the disease since they carry the trait. However,...
Kendal
More than 15 years ago, Early Steps at CDTC had come through for Lisa and her daughter Samantha, who had sensory issues. So Lisa didn’t wait to call for help when her new baby, Kendal, wasn’t meeting milestones. Lisa knew Kendal needed help. The infant wasn’t pointing...
Willaiyah
Eight-year-old Willaiyah just joined the cheerleading squad. To see her dance and dash through the halls you would never believe at one time she had challenges walking. CDTC has always been a part of Willaiyah’s life. Mom Maudeline turned to CDTC for help right after...
Our Hero Imanie
It’s been quite a year for mom Stephanie and 1-year-old Imanie. According to mom, Imanie is her “crazy baby.” Stephanie never knows what to expect next, but it is a wonderful, joyous journey together. Stephanie learned about Imanie’s diagnosis with Down Syndrome while...