Micah’s Story
After spending nearly 10 months in the NICU and months living apart as a family, Micah finally came home. Thanks to generous donors, The Little Trachs Foundation provided a specialized medical wagon that made appointments easier—and gave this family the freedom to enjoy simple moments together again.
August’s Story
Since bringing August home, sleep has come in shifts, date nights have disappeared, and every alarm could mean an emergency. Read how one family’s unwavering love carries them through each day—and why a little rest meant so much.
Giovanni’s Story
Born with a rare genetic condition, an underdeveloped lung, and severe airway collapse, Giovanni has overcome incredible odds. See how a simple act of generosity helped his family stay close while he continues fighting toward home.
Gabriel’s Story
Gabriel spent the first 573 days of his life in the hospital before finally coming home. As a single mom without access to home nursing, Morgan has never stopped fighting for her son. Read how one family’s resilience carried them through every challenge.
Mariana’s Story
When the financial strain of caring for a medically complex child threatened their family’s housing stability, Natalia’s greatest priority remained the same: providing a safe home where Mariana could receive the care she needs.
Laurel’s Story
Despite multiple heart surgeries, a trach, a ventilator, and paralysis from the waist down, Laurel’s social worker describes her as “the sweetest, happiest kid.” Read how her family’s unwavering love helps her thrive every single day.
Elijah’s Story
When Stephanie welcomed two-day-old Elijah into her family, his medical needs weren’t a reason to say no—they were a reason to step in. Read how one foster family’s love, resilience, and commitment continue to give Elijah the care he needs every day.
Jalayna’s Story
Born prematurely with severe lung disease, Jalayna spent years relying on a tracheostomy before reaching the milestone of decannulation. Read how she continues to grow stronger through therapy, determination, and the support of her family.
Naomi’s Story
On the same day Aubrey Hartman submitted her novel about a girl finding her voice, she gave birth to her daughter Naomi — who was born with paralyzed vocal cords. In this personal reflection, Aubrey shares how navigating Naomi’s diagnosis changed the way she understands motherhood, fear, and what it truly means to listen.
Kyra’s Story
When Rebecca Lewis gave birth to her daughter Kyra at just 27 weeks, her world changed overnight. In her story, she shares the realities of raising a medically complex child—from months in the NICU to becoming a full-time caregiver—and the faith and community that helped her keep going through it all.
Connor’s Story
After being born at just 24 weeks and spending 165 days in the NICU, Connor has faced more challenges than most families could imagine. In this story, his mother Brittanie shares the reality of caring for a trach- and ventilator-dependent child whose joy and resilience continue to inspire their family every day.
Xena’s Story
What began as a healthy pregnancy changed in seconds when Xena was born unable to breathe. Sally Straumfjord shares the reality of spending 10 months in the ICU, fighting to be heard as a parent advocate, and navigating life caring for a medically complex child whose strength and joy continue to inspire everyone around her.
Voices of our Families
Behind Every Tracheostomy is a Family Living on High Alert
More than 50,000 children in the United States are living with a tracheostomy. These are the voices of families living it every day.
The Nights no one sees
“You are on life-or-death high alert 100% of the time.”
“I can’t just sleep when the baby sleeps.”
“How quickly everything can change within hours is terrifying.”
The Nursing & Respite Crisis
“Our biggest problem is finding nursing.”
“I am my child’s primary caregiver and home health nurse. There is no respite.”
“Just to leave the house, we need a mini hospital in our car.”
The Invisible Full-Time Job
“It’s a 24-hour job on top of everything else.”
“Managing insurance, supplies, therapies, approvals, appeals — it’s overwhelming.”
“Everything is a battle.”
The Emotional Toll
“It’s exhausting. I struggle with PTSD and insomnia.”
“It’s isolating. So isolating.”
“It’s harder than anyone can imagine.”
What We Wish you Knew
“It’s not contagious.”
“It’s okay to still be part of our lives.”
“We are not just medical parents — we are just parents.”
And still they perservere
“It’s hard, delicate work — but worth it.”
“It’s magical and beautiful.”
“We would do anything for our child.”
We are here to listen
Every trach journey is different — but no family should feel alone in it. By sharing your story, you can help other parents feel seen and supported during some of the hardest moments of their lives.
