What Happens When a Heart Defect Comes As a Surprise?

When Paul and Paula Swett of Zeeland considered adopting a little girl from China, they wanted to be sure specialized pediatric care was available in West Michigan. “Danielle was born with a cleft lip and palate,” Paula said. “It was reassuring to know physicians are here who could take care of her.”

What Happens When a Minor Illness Turns Serious?

Until Levi Schoenborn was 10 months old, he was a healthy little boy who had never been sick. But that changed quickly when Levi's parents became concerned about his breathing on a Monday in March 2009. A prescription inhaler and breathing treatments at the pediatrician's office did not help. Levi was getting sicker. By Tuesday, their doctor admitted Levi to Helen DeVos Children's Hospital, where he was placed on a ventilator in the pediatric critical care unit (PCCU). Levi was diagnosed with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), an infection of the lungs and breathing passages.

The Vision
Nearly all children become sick with RSV before their second birthday. It is highly contagious. For most children, RSV is a minor illness that can be treated at home. But RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia...