Hometown: Celina, OH
Age on Race Day: 6
Diagnosis:
When Cash was only a few days old, he suddenly stopped eating, had labored breathing, and was difficult to arouse. Not knowing what these symptoms meant, his parents rushed him to their local pediatric emergency department where the team worked hard to stabilize him.
Once stable, doctors diagnosed Cash with congenital heart disease (CHD) and recommended transferring him to Nationwide Children's Hospital.
Though transferred for complications with his heart, there were multiple other concerns that were monitored during those first days. “Many of these issues would later require medical following and testing, leading us to numerous departments within Nationwide Children’s,” recall Cash’s parents, Molli and Adam.
Today, in addition to cardiology, Cash is monitored for urinary tract and kidney concerns that arose from CHD complications. He follows up with neurology to ensure he is hitting milestones after spinal surgery for a tethered spinal cord. Occasionally, he visits speech therapy, ENT and the allergy and immunology departments.
“Throughout the past five and half years, Cash has had numerous procedures, studies, testing, ultrasounds, and more,” shares Molli. “But these doctors are his friend; they have a personal connection.”
Cash and his family felt driven to give back to the Heart Center after their experience. Through their nonprofit, The HERD, they have raised over $162,000 for care and research at Nationwide Children’s.
“We feel this is our way to contribute back to the family that has seen us at our lowest, supported us through each medical challenge, and most importantly, cared for our son like he was their own,” says Molli and Adam. “Nationwide Children’s Hospital has provided nothing short of exemplary care.”
