09/04/2026
Meet Hallie and Braxton, two of this year’s Kid HEROES! 💚 Their stories are just two of the many reasons to join us for the CHaD HERO this October.
Hallie was born at just 24 weeks and 4 days in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, due to chorioamnionitis. Shortly after birth, she was transported to the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (CHaD), where she spent 145 days in the Intensive Care Nursery (ICN). Hallie faced each challenge with remarkable strength. She overcame adrenal insufficiency and both a Grade I and Grade IV intraventricular hemorrhage. She also developed retinopathy of prematurity, requiring laser eye surgery and later a vitrectomy. Although she wears glasses and is fed through a G-tube, Hallie continues to grow, learn, and overcome obstacles every day.
Braxton entered the world much earlier than expected, arriving at just 29 weeks and weighing only 2 pounds, 14 ounces. From the moment he was born, the CHaD ICN team welcomed him and his family with open arms. While his mom recovered from severe preeclampsia, Braxton spent the next 41 days in the ICN, growing stronger every day with the support of an extraordinary team of caregivers. Today, Braxton is a thriving 5-year-old whose energy and smile are a daily reminder of how far he has come.
⭐ What is the HERO? What began as a half-marathon has grown into a community-powered festival that brings together runners, walkers, families, and friends, all united for one mission: to support the kids and programs at Dartmouth Health Children’s and the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (CHaD). Proceeds from the event are used to help kids with critical services such as support when they are in pediatric intensive care and management of chronic illnesses, as well as patient and family support services.
Learn more about their stories and register today with the link in our comments!
-
Dartmouth Health, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center
