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The Brantleys and the story of BrAvery

With wide eyes and a cooing smile, Avery looked up as his mom and dad took turns reading from a Curious George book. Each page made the presence of Avery’s monitors and endless tubes slip further from the Brantleys’ minds. In these moments, they found stillness despite their world spiraling.

The art of pediatric patient care

Anthony Macchio was already familiar with UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital. After his second daughter, Isabel, was born with a heart defect in February 2019, he and his wife, Amy Hecht Macchio, became accustomed to traveling to Gainesville from Tallahassee for expert pediatric cardiology care. But three months after Isabel…

BE HOPE

Cole Dooley, M.D., is no stranger to pediatric cancer. As both a pediatric anesthesiologist and the father of a child with incurable cancer, the realities of childhood cancer have forever changed his life.

Heather’s Lifelong Battle

Heather Lowery’s parents were told that she would likely not live to be 3 months old. At 36, Heather has proved them wrong and has set an example for adults living with congenital heart disease.

Ethan’s Race Against the Clock

After a devastating hurricane season in 2018, Michelle Byron and her family were looking forward to being back in their home in Panama City just in time for Thanksgiving. While shopping for last-minute preparations at Target, Michelle received an unexpected call from her husband, Chuck…

Keeping Thea All Smiles

Althea “Thea” Brown is all smiles. And her spunky personality along with her curiosity for the world around her will undoubtedly bring a grin to your face…