Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon & 1/2 Marathon, Jesse Owens 5K, 1 Mile & Kids Run

Hometown: Kettering, OH
Age on Race Day: 7
Diagnosis: Pediatric Feeding Disorder

At an early age, Zoe had difficulty transitioning to solid foods. She began outpatient therapy close to her home in Kettering, including physical therapy, speech therapy, and feeding therapy. At 4 years old, her parents and care team made the decision to place a g-tube in her abdomen to ensure she was receiving proper nutrition.  

After the g-tube was placed, Zoe’s pediatrician recommended she try Nationwide Children's Hospital’s comprehensive feeding clinic for her long-term feeding care. While in their care, she was accepted into the eight-week intensive feeding program. Zoe and her mom, Cara, came to Columbus for the program and stayed at the Ronald McDonald House during the week.  

Zoe immediately began working with a team of therapists, psychologists, doctors, nurses, and dieticians all with the same goal of helping her safely eat by mouth.  

The program began with breaking the old cycles and learning what Zoe was thinking when she was eating, how to help her sit at the table, learning mouth and oral motor skills, and building her endurance and confidence. This progressive program eventually transitioned into teaching Cara and other caregivers how to safely feed Zoe.  

“This program was life changing for not only Zoe, but our family as well,” says Cara. “The team at Nationwide Children’s was the most encouraging and supportive.” 

Leaving the program after eight weeks, Zoe completely transitioned to eating by mouth.  She continues to follow up with the comprehensive feeding clinic today and is continuing to make incredible strides.