UI Stead Family Children's Hospital 2023 Kid Captain: Bentley Erickson

Bentley Erickson was transferred to UI Stead Family Children's Hospital shortly after he was born at 31 weeks. His left ear was missing, and he was diagnosed with esophageal atresia, a disorder where the upper and lower esophagus do not connect, and tracheoesophageal fistula, an abnormal connection between the esophagus and trachea. He also had Goldenhar syndrome, a rare disorder that affects development of the face and skull, and VACTERL association, a group of conditions that affect the vertebrae, anus, cardiac system, trachea, esophagus, renal system (kidneys), and limbs. In addition, Bentley was diagnosed with chronic lung disease and hydrocephalus with a Chiari malformation, in which brain tissue extends into the spinal canal. In his first four years, he underwent 10 surgeries, including life-saving brain and lung operations.
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