Client Spotlight: Meet Diego – A Children’s Miracle Network Star

By Amy Bretherton, Director of Marketing & Communications

Each year, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals select a few amazing children to represent the hundreds of thousands of patients who are treated at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. The courage that these children possess is inspiring and the personal strides they have made are worthy of recognition.

Diego, an active 5-year-old boy with hemophilia, was nominated by his HoG Outreach Nurse, Danny Moore, to represent the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals in Georgia. The treatment he receives allows him to have an active, happy childhood. Watch his inspiring story.

When Diego was born, his mother, Brenda, knew he would face a frightening health battle. Her brother and uncle had struggled with the health effects of hemophilia, and her newborn was diagnosed with hemophilia A, the most severe type. Although her other family members lost their fight with the disorder, Diego proved resilient.

Hemophilia is a genetic disorder that prevents blood from clotting normally and can cause internal bleeding and organ damage. Diego’s first weeks were taken day-by-day, but the treatment he received at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta set him on the path to a healthy, happy childhood.

Despite the challenges of living with hemophilia, Diego is an active, cheerful 5-year-old who loves playing with cars and video games.  He is strong beyond his years. Diego is the first to comfort his worried mother by saying, “Mom, I’m OK! Don’t worry about me. Everything will be fine.”