Overcoming Challenges with Kindness, Resilience and Enthusiasm: Sylus' Story

“Every doctor, nurse and staff member was amazing. 
You don’t realize the impact these people have on your life until you’re in it.”

– Sarah, Sylus' mom

At 18 weeks into her pregnancy, Sarah received news that would change everything: her baby, Sylus, had spina bifida, a congenital condition in which part of the spinal column does not develop properly. This diagnosis brought uncertainty and fear, but from the moment Sylus and his family arrived at Valley Children’s Hospital, they were never alone.

As soon as Sylus was born, his care began. He underwent urgent surgery to close the opening in his spine and relieve the pressure on his brain caused by hydrocephalus. Valley Children’s world-class neurosurgery team, led by Dr. Patricia Clerkin, provided the expertise and care that gave Sylus a strong start in life. Sarah said, “Working with Dr. Clerkin made so many worries disappear.” The medical team not only delivered interventions, they offered something equally powerful: reassurance, compassion and a sense of partnership.

Throughout their Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) experience, Sarah was deeply moved by the level of care and compassion they received. “The Valley Children’s physicians and staff were amazing,” she recalled. “You have to be a special kind of person to work in that environment (NICU), and nobody ever made me feel alone. Every doctor, nurse and staff member was amazing. You don’t realize the impact these people have on your life until you’re in it.”

Thanks to this early intervention and Sylus’ resilience, he began to overcome the many hurdles of his condition. But his journey didn’t stop with surgery. As Sylus grew, so did his drive to explore the world—and Valley Children’s remained by his side with programs that nurtured not just his health, but his spirit.

Sylus’ journey is nothing short of inspiring. Despite the challenges he faced from birth, including multiple surgeries and ongoing treatment, he has flourished into a vibrant and kind-hearted child. Through Valley Children’s Adaptive Sports Program, Sylus has discovered a new world of possibility. He has developed a passion for skiing, ice hockey, kayaking and rock climbing—each one approached with remarkable enthusiasm.

“Since Sylus has become involved with adaptive sports, he has gained so much confidence in himself and has really enjoyed meeting new friends,” said Sarah. “This program has given him opportunities to be with other kids who may be facing similar circumstances.”

From life-saving surgeries to programs that empower children to thrive, Valley Children’s has been there at every step—because children like Sylus deserve every opportunity to grow, explore and shine.