Minutes after her birth, Abby was diagnosed with bilateral choanal atresia, an obstruction that blocked both sides of her nasal airway. Because babies have to use their noses to breathe, the condition was life-threatening. A series of highly specialized surgeries at Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota opened Abby’s airway, which is now growing normally.
Now this nature-loving first grader can breathe easy as she spends time camping in the woods with her parents and her younger brother.
Leave a comment to cheer on Abby as she travels to Washington, DC to champion children's health issues.
Yay Abby.....so exciting that you got to go to DC! What a great experience and you got to meet Norm Coleman. Sweet.
Love,
becky
Posted by: Becky Haapala | January 16, 2010 at 07:34 PM
Dear Abby, you are a very inspiring young lady. I have 3 daughters!
My little niece was born a month ago today with bilateral choanal atresia, just like you were. She's still at Schneider Children's Hospital in New Hyde Park, NY. We hope she'll come home soon. Do you think you or your Mom or Dad could contact me? We really need some encouragement.
Look forward to hearing from your Mom or Dad. Thanks so much!
Rosa M. Dolce
Posted by: Rosa M. Dolce | March 07, 2009 at 01:24 PM
Congrats on your trip Abby! It was so great to read and see pictures about your time there. I hope you're having a wonderful summer!
Posted by: Kristi Anello | June 30, 2008 at 12:26 PM
HI, Abby, Wow! what an honor to travel to Washington D.C. with your Mom and Dad.We have been thinking of you , and can't wait to hear about your trip.
Love, Lolly and Peter xo
Posted by: Laurel Rutherford | June 20, 2008 at 01:43 PM
Abby, we are so proud of you!! Can't wait to see you and your Mom, Dad and Drew soon so we can hear about your trip in person! Love, Adrienne, Jim and Matthew Foley
Posted by: Adrienne, Jim and Matthew Foley | June 20, 2008 at 11:47 AM
Abby, I work with your mom. Both of my little girls have spent time at Children's as well. I have nothing but good things to say about the care we were given. Thank you for for sharing your story, this is a very important issue. Have fun in DC!
Posted by: Molly | June 20, 2008 at 10:57 AM
Abby: Congratulations for being chosen to be a representative for this important issue. We are very proud of you and are excited to see you soon (Leah, especially!).
Love, Mike, Ingrid, Leah, Davis and Belle
Posted by: Ingrid Hallett | June 19, 2008 at 10:03 AM
Abby,
Have a fantasitc time in DC. Hope to see you and your family over the summer!! Heidi Kiloran
Posted by: Heidi | June 18, 2008 at 12:52 PM
Abby, Have a great time in DC--we can't wait to hear all about it and see pictures when you get back. Love, Kris, Bill, Alex and Lauren
Posted by: Bill, Kris, Alex and Lauren | June 18, 2008 at 09:11 AM
Abby-
I think you are a very special cousin. I am excited to hear about your time in Washington. Love, Carsten
Posted by: Carsten | June 17, 2008 at 11:23 PM
Dear Abby-
You are one brave and talented little girl. We think you are great!!
Love, Sarah, Shannon, Breghan and Brynn
Posted by: The Kiloran Family | June 17, 2008 at 11:03 PM
This is your cousin Anna, Abby! I just wanted to say you are awesome and it's been so much fun watching you grow up!! I am so proud of you!! Have a super time in Washington!!
Posted by: Anna Rutherford | June 17, 2008 at 09:56 PM
Abby Jean, Enjoy your time in Washington, take a lot of pictures. We are so proud of you...xoxo Nana and Papa
Posted by: Nana and Papa | June 17, 2008 at 09:53 PM
Abby, have fun in DC! We are proud of you and looking forward to seeing you this summer.
Posted by: Jan and Jack | June 17, 2008 at 09:47 PM
Abby-
You are so brave to overcome all of the challenges that life has given you. Enjoy your time in DC.
Posted by: Kate | June 17, 2008 at 08:27 PM
Abby, you are amazing! Have a good time in Washington!
Posted by: Ioulia | June 12, 2008 at 11:07 AM
Abby, you are inspiration to many! Keep fighting, keep going, and keep smiling! You can help make a major change for so many other children!
Posted by: Cassie | June 10, 2008 at 10:06 PM
You are a beautiful little girl, Abby! Have fun in Washington. You are an inspiration!
Posted by: Anna | June 10, 2008 at 05:04 PM