Campbell Lester recently celebrated his third birthday. But during his mom’s 20-week ultrasound appointment, doctors believed nothing good would come from the pregnancy. The ultrasound showed a grim picture: part of the baby’s abdomen was open and organs would be visible on the outside of the body after birth, a condition known as cloacal exstrophy, or OEIS (omphalocele-exstrophy-imperforate anus-spinal defects) syndrome.
Seeking a second opinion regarding their son’s future, Cassie and Christopher went to Cincinnati Children’s where they were given options and most of all, hope. From that moment, Cassie and Christopher were included in every step of Campbell’s care.
Three years down the road, Campbell continues to make progress back home. Cassie remains grateful for all the care they received at Cincinnati Children’s. She also hopes other parents in similar situations will find hope in Campbell’s journey.
“I know the hopelessness that they’re probably feeling when they get this diagnosis. My husband and I felt that too, but there’s definitely hope,” she said. “Sometimes you just have to take it one minute at a time. You can’t even take one day at a time. But don’t ever give up.”
Read more about Campbell’s birth in the Special Delivery Unit and his multiple surgeries from the experts at Cincinnati Children’s.
