Over the Edge
for Duke Children's

Bella was diagnosed with a chromosomal disorder that causes a wide array of issues from cognitive development to medical issues. She is seen by multiple specialists at Duke including immunology, hematology/oncology, ophthalmology, urology, and neurology. Her condition is chronic and requires ongoing and lifelong management. Despite all this, Bella is an active and happy nine-year-old who attends school, participates in gymnastics and dance, and loves Taylor Swift. Bella's family is grateful for the care she receives at Duke. "Because of Duke Children's," says her mother, Tina, "I have the comfort of knowing I am heard and she is taken care of by some of the best physicians."

Violet was adopted from China at 17 months. “We had photos from the adoption agency,” says Tripp, Violet’s dad. “We reached out to potential places in the area and Dr. Marcus, chief of the Duke Division of Plastic, Maxillofacial, and Oral surgery, responded right away and gave us a very clear sense of what they would be able to do. Without Violet even being an established patient, the cleft team was very comforting, and we knew exactly what would need to be done and in what timeframe, so that solidified our choice of Duke.” Her parents know that Duke Children's will always provide Violet with the best medical care. "The Duke Cleft and Craniofacial team has been such an incredible team to work with our family" they say. "They have meant so much to Violet and have even made opportunities available to help boost her confidence with her art and writing."

Macon was born with bi-lateral club feet, which was treated by orthopaedic surgeons at Duke Children’s. At the time, his parents were told the condition was random. But shortly after Macon turned 3, his father, Tobie, nearly died from an aortic dissection. In search of answers for Tobie's sudden health crisis, Macon's family turned to their Duke connections, and his orthopaedist connected them with a Duke pediatric cardiologist who facilitated Tobie’s testing. Six weeks later, Tobie’s condition had a name: Loeys-Dietz type 4, a rare connective tissue disorder caused by a genetic mutation. Macon was also tested, and he had the condition as well. Macon, now 10 and in the 4th grade, receives constant monitoring, especially for his heart, and takes medication to help manage his condition. Loey-Dietz has no cure, but Duke Children’s is helping the family manage his condition. Macon wants to help other kids like him, and so he has an annual lemonade fundraiser, Macon's Smiles, to raise money to purchase support items for families at Duke Children’s. Every holiday season he uses funds raised to buy items to help kids at Duke Children's, supporting groups like Child Life in enriching the experience of every patient.