Hi Everyone!! It's one of Jayden's favorite times of year!!!! RADIOTHON! As many of you know, Jayden was born via emergency C-Section at just 23 weeks gestation. He weighed in at 1 pound 10 ounces and was 12 inches long. Fun fact...his feet looked enormous at just 2 inches! He had a grade 3/4 brain bleed. He was given under a 5% chance of survival. UNDER 5%!!!! Jayden was a busy body during his 111 day stay in the NICU. It was a roller coaster ride we weren't sure we would get off of!! The Miracle Workers at St. John's said hold my stethescope....we got this! And together we did. It wasn't an easy road by any means. Jayden has Retinopathy of Prematurity because he was on a vent most of his stay. He had 5 surgeries before we left. 2 were brain surgeries. The first was for placement of a reservoir to drain brain fluid at barely 2 pounds!! They were later able to place a shunt in his left ventricle. The first several years were pretty touchy. Tons of admissions. He was a frequent flyer in peds and the Picu. Did I mention he was a busy body...always keeping us on our toes!! The support we recieved during those first 5 years was incredible and will NEVER be forgotten. Today Jayden is a happy, kind, giving 15 year old boy. He is ALWAYS smiling. He has had over 20 surgeries to date mostly eye and shunt issues.3 years ago Jayden had a retina detachment causing him to be completely blind in his left eye. But let me tell you it hasn't slowed him down 1 little bit! We have utilized every department at St. John's Childrens Hospital. NICU, PICU, Peds, Pedi rehab, lab, and radiology. We are so thankful to have this amazing hospital filled with miracle workers right here in our backyard.

Jayden lives to give back, to help other kiddos and parents have stories as beautiful and inspiring as his. Jayden is a gift not only to his family, but his community too. He hasn't asked for a birthday gift in several years. Instead he chooses to collect items for others that need them more. Help Jayden now, reach his goal and help more babies just like him brighten our world!