Every grant tells a story
If you’ve received a UHCCF grant that changed you or your child’s life, we want to hear from you. Share your story and help inspire future families and donors.
2024 Grant Recipient Family
2024 Grant Recipient Family
Shiloh
Shiloh has needed strength from the start. Born with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and an atrial septal defect, she spent her first month of life in the NICU. After weeks of testing, doctors determined she was in heart failure and would need a heart transplant.
A match was found, and Shiloh received a new heart just months after birth. After surgery, she began recovery through physical, occupational, feeding and speech therapies, plus physical intensive therapy to build mobility. With help from a UHCCF grant, the family was able to cover therapy costs. Shiloh’s mom, Cynthia says the support made it possible to continue, and it was “amazing” to see Shiloh progress to walking.
Marina
Marina was born with a partial cleft palate and has endured multiple surgeries and ongoing hearing issues. After Hurricane Ian flooded her family’s Fort Myers home, her parents learned she needed hearing aids. The family needed support, and UHCCF provided a grant to relieve their financial strain. When she got the devices, the change was immediate — Marina told her mom, “I didn’t realize the waves made noise.”
Jackson and Phoenix
Jackson and Phoenix, brothers from California, are usually hard at play, but their family spent years navigating uncertainty before finding a new normal. After tests confirmed that both boys had significant hearing loss, the brothers were each fitted with hearing aids, and Phoenix received a cochlear implant. UHCCF grants allowed the family to focus on the brothers’ rapid improvements in communication and school performance.
Opal
Opal was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes after her dad found the usually-energetic 2-year-old shaking, slurring her words and with blue lips. Over the next year, her family managed appointments and training as she began using a continuous glucose monitor and insulin pump; thanks to UHCCF grants, mounting medical costs were eased, and Opal is full of life with a healthy future ahead.
Kaysen
Kaysen was born with Emanuel syndrome, a rare genetic condition that affects his ability to talk, walk and eat, and may also cause seizures, heart abnormalities and kidney issues. With support from UHCCF grants, ongoing occupational, physical and speech therapy is helping him build independence. His parents cherish how far he’s come, focusing on what he can do instead of what he can’t.
Lily
Lily is a creative 5-year-old who loves to dance, make art and play make-believe, but she has faced frequent, severe illnesses since she was born early. After multiple extended hospital stays, her family learned that she has a rare RUNX1 gene mutation that can make respiratory illnesses more severe for her. UHCCF grants helped ease the financial burden and gave Lily’s family hope as they continued her care.
Virgil
At the age of 1, Virgil’s family noticed his unresponsiveness to loud noises. After a visit to the ENT doctor, it was confirmed that he needed to receive an adenoidectomy along with eustachian tubes to correct his hearing. Thanks to a UHCCF grant, Virgil underwent the necessary procedures and can now fully experience the wonders of sound.
Zayley
At age 3, Zayley was diagnosed with Type One diabetes, which surprised her family. However, at the age of 10, she was fortunate to get her first Omnipod insulin pump after receiving a UHCCF grant! Ever since, Zayley has experienced a greater sense of normalcy and intends to continue using the Omnipod for her ongoing needs.
Owen
Owen is a bright 11-year-old big brother who loves to play piano. In his early years, he was diagnosed with social communication disorder. As insurance didn’t cover the cost of therapy, the help of a UHCCF grant eased some expenses for his speech therapy. Owen’s parents express their hope for ongoing support from UHCCF as the cost of living continues to rise.
Nellie
Nellie is a bundle of laughter and is known for giving the best hugs! Despite being diagnosed with the de-novo variant of the STAG1 gene at birth, that doesn’t stop her from keeping up with her older brother. Nellie’s mother sought support for speech and physical therapy through a UHCCF grant. Since then, Nellie has made remarkable strides in her development and has grown stronger each day.
Adrian
Adrian was born with Bilateral Microtia and Atresia, meaning both his ear canals were closed. To correct his hearing loss, Adrian’s father discovered bone-anchored hearing aids, or a BAHA system. The BAHA system was not fully covered, so his father applied for a UHCCF grant, which he states was a lifesaver for their family. Adrian is a happy kid who has discovered a newfound ability to hear beyond his previous state!
Ellie
Estelle (Ellie) was diagnosed with a CASK gene mutation, so her parents took her to neuromotor intensive therapy, which is extremely helpful to children with her conditions. Ellie’s family has been blessed with support from the community and a UHCCF grant.
Noah
Noah is a spontaneous ball of energy who loves to make new friends. Despite being born with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, he has embraced the use of hearing aids to improve his social interactions and concentration in school. With the support of a grant, Noah’s family is filled with immense gratitude, and he is now living life to the fullest with his new hearing aids.
“Naomi isn’t able to ride a two-wheel bike because of balance issues. It was electrifying hearing we received a grant to fund a three-wheel trike for her. It made her dreams possible.”
Rebecca | Naomi’s Mother
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Grant Recipient, 2023