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Noah's Story - Overcoming Short Gut Syndrome

Noah is a patient at Mattel Children's Hospital UCLA with short gut syndrome

On opening day of Mattel Children's Hospital UCLA, part of Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, a four-year-old boy in a hospital gown sporting a red baseball cap walked excitedly down the sparkling hallway. He seemed to have forgotten that he was connected to tubes attached to a wheeled medication stand. He turned the corner to take in the sight of the new Child Life/Child Development play space, including a rotunda with a ceiling full of twinkling stars. With one word, he summed up the result of eight years of planning and construction for this world-class facility, "Whoa!" We couldn't have said it any better.

This joyful child is Noah, now five, and a patient with short gut syndrome. He has spent a total of 14 months at Mattel Children's Hospital UCLA and knows everyone from the transport, environmental, and cafeteria staffs to the nurses and doctors who care for him each day. In February 2006, he received a liver and small bowel transplant. Despite initial complications, Noah is within the normal growth-percentile range for his age.

The gastrointestinal surgery team led by Douglas Farmer, M.D.,  has "saved Noah's life many times," says Lia, Noah's mother. Noah is remarkable for his resilience and the joy he takes in living every day. "He's naturally happy. He doesn't think there is any difference between him and any other kid." Noah adores dogs and has a lab named Ninja. He loves to ride his bike and play with his "partner in crime," a younger brother who is three. Favorite food? Noah chows down on pizza and Krabby Patties (cheeseburgers).

While there were many difficult emotions for Lia in the beginning of her journey with Noah, she is grateful to the Hospital staff for helping her adjust for life with a child with medical problems. "The nurses genuinely care. They are an extended family to us," she observes. Noah's experience has taught her a great deal, and she now tries to help other parents. "Who better to understand what a parent with a sick child is going through," says Lia. In fact, Lia is now training to be a nurse. "I didn't think about nursing before Noah, but he has changed my perspective on life. When it's your child, you learn to step up and do what needs to be done," she says.

Noah's prognosis is very good, and soon he will need to see the doctor only once a year. "Noah has an amazing attitude and doesn't let things get him down," explains Lia. "He has a great outlook on life, and I know he will grow up to help a lot of people."

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Lia sits back for a moment, proud of her son, and says, "Noah has made the best of his situation. He is an inspiration both to me and to other kids. I hope his story will encourage others and let them see the miracles that happen here everyday."

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