Hometown: Upper Arlington, OH
Age on Race Day: 17
Diagnosis: Retinopathy of Prematurity, Vocal Cord Paralysis, and Bilateral Hip Dysplasia
At just 22 weeks gestation, Brynn’s mom Mallory was placed on hospital bedrest at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. There, they met with Nationwide Children's Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care team who helped them understand what was going on with Brynn and his twin sister Mia, and what to expect when the twins were born. The day came, and Brynn was born weighing 1 pound 7 ounces and Mia was born shortly after weighing 2 pounds 6 ounces. Both Brynn and Mia were intubated and transferred to intensive care.
During his stay in the NICU, it was discovered that Brynn would need a surgical procedure on his heart which required a transfer to Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s main campus. After a successful procedure, Brynn was transferred back to Ohio State NICU to be with his sister, and for continuity of care.
When Mia was discharged at 3 months old, Brynn was transferred back to Nationwide Children’s for continued care. While at the Memorial Tournament NICU, Brynn underwent Achilles heel lengthening and casting for his club feet, retinopathy of prematurity eye surgery, G-tube placement, a series of surgeries on his hips, and treatment of his vocal cord paralysis and a tonsillectomy.
“Brynn continues to make unbelievable progress. From being told he wouldn’t survive to being told he wouldn’t eat or walk,” shares Brynn’s dad, Simon. “We know that without the care of everyone at Nationwide Children’s we would not be here today. He is living proof that miracles happen.”
