"This extraordinary team led by Dr. Paul Thornton became our answer to prayers. She was cured! Please join me in supporting this life changing program, with both hearts of gratitude for providing Melody their best care and for the future care of babies born with hyperinsulinism." - Melody's Mom

Melody was born presumably healthy, 7 lb 13 oz, full term on August 9th, 2016 in Houston, Texas. We were elated, family visited and held her and it was the most precious sight when her sister met her.  Later that night she was whisked to the NICU for low blood sugar.

NICU nurses had never seen a baby require so much sugar! Rather than weaning off IV sugar, Melody was requiring more. An endocrinologist suspected Melody had a rare genetic disease, congenital hyperinsulinism.  After trialing medication that did not work, he urged the NICU to send Melody to a world renowned physician, Dr. Thornton.

Cook Children’s quickly accepted our transfer.  As her mother, I finally felt at ease when the Teddy Bear transport team arrived with their King Air. At last, we were headed to the HI experts.

This extraordinary team led by Dr. Paul Thornton became our answer to prayers. Melody’s non response to medication, the positive genetic results and the research study results using the 18FDOPA PET scan all pointed to surgery as the best option.

The night before surgery I stayed up almost all night holding Melody.  On September 1st, in 3 hours Dr. John Uffman performed a successful surgery! A lima bean size focal lesion on the lower part of the pancreas tail was removed, only requiring 5% of her pancreas to be removed.  She was cured! We were headed home the day before Melody turned a month old. Thank you prayer warriors!

Dr. Thornton, Dr. Uffman, Lisa Truong CPNP, the endocrine team, the anesthesiologist and the HI nurses were phenomenal.

I know that God paved a way for Melody long before she was born; preparing these experts for her arrival.

Today Melody is thriving; she loves to smile, be held by momma, have books read to her, laugh with her dad, run and climb, eat, and play with her sister, Peyton.

I am thankful for the advances in HI research over the past 30 years in identifying the genetic link, improving treatments and even bringing a cure to some.  My husband’s cousin, Joshua, was born with HI 28 years ago and you can view his story on this REACH HI for HYPERINSULINISM site as well.

Please join me in supporting this life changing program, with both hearts of gratitude for providing Melody their best care and for the future care of babies born with hyperinsulinism.