Gabriel Valle, 14 years old

Gabriel was born with bilateral cleft lip and cleft palate. After being discharged from the local hospital, he was sent to Seattle Children's. We met the Craniofacial team and Dr. Cunningham was very informative and explained what the plan of action would be. What I will never forget is how this doctor held my son and assured me he would receive the best care with his team.

At the age of four, Gabriel was diagnosed with another birth defect called Multiple Hereditary Extoses (MHE), which are boney tumors. The first tumors appeared when he was about six months old on his ribs and soon more tumors appeared on his wrists. Seattle Children's did an MRI and a CAT scan where it was found that he tad tumors throughout his body. Dr. Hing promptly gave me all the available information about MHE and referred us to Dr. Conrad. Since then Gabriel has undergone multiple orthopedic surgeries and has participated in different studies for children who share his medical conditions. 

Gabriel's picture has been used as a featured patient several times for the hospital. For a few years now, Gabriel has attended Camp Korey where he spends a week with other children with similar medical needs. That was a big boost for his self esteem because many times he has been question about the many scars he has and explains to others about his medical history.

In the fourteen years we have traveled to Seattle for his patient visits, we have received nothing less than the best care! We will now also be able to see one of the orthopedic doctors at Children's Regional Clinic in Tri-Cities.

Seattle University's Dance Marathon has the special privilege of working with Miracle Kids from Seattle Children's Hospital, who have benefited from the Uncompensated Care Fund that our philanthropy supports. Our Miracle Kids and their families attend SUDM events throughout the year, including The Dance Marathon.