An ultrasound uncovers high-risk issues During an ultrasound toward the end of Haley Voss’ pregnancy, doctors noticed her baby might have lung and digestive issues. What started as a typical pregnancy, soon shifted to a high-risk one. Hours after birth, baby Colter was ushered into a five-hour surgery to clear a blockage in his bowels. Within days, doctors diagnosed him with cystic fibrosis. For the first seven months of his life, Colter stayed at Sanford Children’s Hospital, where he underwent three more lifesaving surgeries. The Vosses credit the hospital staff for helping them get through it all. Whether it was a child life specialist planning an activity, a physical therapist helping Colter hit developmental milestones, or a doctor stopping by to snuggle him while checking his vitals, they knew the team truly cared for their family. Now, at 19 months old, Colter is a cheerful little guy. His mom and grandma stay busy keeping his daily medication routine on track, including nutrition through a feeding tube and cystic fibrosis treatments. He still sees providers at Sanford Children’s Hospital every other week. Colter is also practicing his climbing skills, going on tractor rides with his grandpa and snuggling up with his big sister, Molly. Seeing him grow up and do all the “regular kid stuff” has been rewarding for the whole family.
A bad cold becomes a life-threatening illness
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“This facility saved her life. Providing thoughtful care in
Like most two-and-a-half-year-olds, sweet and spunky Selah Barrett had battled her share of colds, coughs and stuffy noses during her short life. So when she got sick in October 2022, her parents, Adam and Mateja, did what they always did – they gave her extra snuggles, kept her hydrated and encouraged her to rest. But Selah’s symptoms worsened and within days, she was fighting for her life against a rare, aggressive form of pneumonia in the pediatric intensive care unit at Sanford Children’s Hospital. Over the next few weeks, Selah used an oscillator to help her breathe and underwent multiple surgical procedures.
Almost 5,000 kids were admitted to Sanford Children’s Hospital last year. That’s a lot of sleepovers!
simple ways makes this place a magical castle.” ADAM BARRETT SELAH’S DAD
From there, day by day, Selah began to get better. As she healed, pediatric physical and occupational therapists helped her regain her strength, and child life specialists helped Selah and her family, including her three siblings, navigate the journey through education and therapeutic play. Child life, along with many other resources, are funded through donations made to the Sanford Health Foundation.
Today, Selah is a happy, healthy 6-year-old who loves “pink and purple sparklies.” The odds were stacked against her, but thanks to lifesaving care from Sanford Children’s Hospital over her 26-day stay,
Selah survived. Reflecting on their daughter’s journey, Adam and Mateja say they’re grateful for the expert care, compassion and love they experienced at Sanford Children’s.
What is an oscillator? An oscillator is a specialized ventilator that helps patients breathe with fast, gentle puffs of air which is especially beneficial for fragile lungs.
Who helped Selah feel better? Hospitalists Intensivists Pulmonologists Physical therapists Occupational therapists Child life specialists Nurses
“We weren’t ready for this, but they were ready to help us.” SHARON VOSS COLTER’S GRANDMA
What is cystic fibrosis? Cystic fibrosis is a serious genetic condition that causes mucus buildup that affects the lungs and digestive system.
Who helped Colter feel better? Neonatologists Pulmonologists Gastroenterologists Surgeons ENT doctors Child life specialists Nurses
Visit sanfordhealth.org/childrens-care to learn more.
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