Eathan Freeman's superhero story with CHKD started before he was born, when an ultrasound showed that he had a cyst in his brain which was causing a buildup of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. This condition, called hydrocephalus, can cause headaches, vision problems, confusion, developmental delays, and difficulty walking.
The cyst continued to grow, and when Eathan was born on September 8, 2010, by emergency C-section, he was immediately transferred to CHKD.
At just a few weeks old, Eathan had neurosurgery at CHKD to drain the cyst. Surgeons later inserted a catheter to release fluid from the brain into a shunt that would carry it past his ear, across his collarbone, to his belly where the fluid would be absorbed into the bloodstream.
He spent a month in CHKD’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit recovering and growing with the help of his comprehensive care team of nurses, therapists, chaplains, social workers, and child life specialists who were by his family’s side every step of the way.
"The team at CHKD reassured me and was compassionate throughout the whole process," says Eathan's mom, Katrinia. "When I had to leave him, I knew he was in good hands at CHKD."
The cyst and fluid buildup from hydrocephalus came with other diagnoses for Eathan – a seizure disorder, hormone deficiency, and vision problems. After being discharged from the NICU, he needed physical therapy, occupational therapy, and monitoring of the shunt by neurology specialists, along with regular visits to his endocrinologist and pediatrician.
As Eathan continued to grow, so did his personality. "He's so outgoing," Katrinia says. "He's always been strong. He's like a little adult. Full of life. Always a fighter. He's my bundle of joy."
That's why she knew something was wrong in September of 2018 when Eathan's bright disposition began to fade. He was tired and sleepy. He had headaches. He lost his appetite. "When he was awake, he was in tears, saying that he was in pain," Katrinia says.
When tests at CHKD showed signs of a shunt malfunction, Eathan’s neurosurgeon performed surgery to determine the cause. Sure enough, the catheter in his brain was clogged, which would take another surgical procedure to repair.
Eathan stayed in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit after his surgeries, then returned to the Pediatric Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit for further recovery. It was then that nurses and child life specialists at CHKD dubbed him "Eathan the Brave" – a name he still introduces himself as today. He turned 8 that month, and the team made sure Spider-Man and Captain America superheroes showed up in their full regalia to wish him a happy birthday.
"The staff is truly like family to us," says Katrinia. "I honestly felt like everyone loved Eathan just as much as I do."
And with the help of CHKD's pet therapy dog, SaraLee, whose companionship encouraged Eathan to get out of bed on tough days, he began walking again. Soon, Eathan left behind a wheelchair, then a walker. His playful smile and confident attitude returned.
"The dog saved Eathan's life," Katrinia says. "The connection he had with SaraLee got him through. I wholeheartedly believe she was part of his recovery."
Now 15 years old, Eathan continues to be followed by a comprehensive team of specialists at CHKD. He has had several eye surgeries to correct vision problems and uses a sight cane to help him navigate. Eathan enjoys reading, coloring, singing and performing, and cooking – spaghetti is his favorite dish. And more than anything, he still loves the Marvel Universe.