
Minimally Invasive Airway Reconstruction Helps Manny Thrive
Manny was born 15 weeks early, weighing just over a pound, with some of his organs on the outside of his tiny body. After seven surgeries within the first six months of his life, Manny beat the odds, stunning his doctors and family. He went home at age six months with a sunny prognosis.
While he required outpatient therapy for speech, movement and development, Manny mostly thrived as he grew up. Still, there were some long-term effects stemming from his difficult beginning. Now 10, Manny had been living with noisy and difficulty breathing. With a history of vocal cord paralysis, Manny could speak, but running around and participating in normal activities became difficult for him, said his mom, Angela.
A change in his family’s insurance brought them to Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago earlier this year. “It was the best thing that could happen. We found the right doctor here,” Angela said.
Manny with Michael Gorelik, MD, a pediatric ENT fellow at Lurie Children's. Above, Manny smiles with Dr. Valika, left, and Carolyn Jenks, MD, a pediatric ENT fellow.
“We aim to be innovative and constantly looking to improve outcomes to provide the best possible care in the world,” said Dr. Valika.
The procedure could be the last one that Manny faces, a prospect that thrills his family. It has been about a month since the surgery, and Manny’s voice is returning to normal, and he can continue his virtual schooling and play without difficulty breathing.
“He’s been doing great,” Angela said. “He is staying strong despite everything he has been through."
Learn more about Lurie Children's Aerodigestive Program.
Lurie Children’s has implemented several safety measures related to COVID-19, including required mask-wearing, screening for COVID-19 symptoms, isolating COVID-19 suspected patients and more to ensure safety for families like Manny's. Click here for more information about the hospital’s response to COVID-19.
Sign up for our Newsletter
Get health tips from our pediatric experts, news about ground-breaking research, and feel-good moments delivered right to your inbox.
Subscribe NowRelated Posts

After Life-Threatening Accident, Aidan Aces Three World-Class Marathons
Four years ago, Aidan was struck by a car on his bike and rushed to Lurie Children’s with critical injuries to his spine and vital organs. After his recovery, he completed his first Chicago Marathon with Team Lurie Children’s in 2021.
Read More

A Little More Hope Than Fear: Looking Back on Fetal Surgery for Emmie & Gracie
With the expertise and support of Dr. Shaaban and Lurie Children's Chicago Institue for Fetal Health, Annie gave birth to Emmie and Gracie. Today, the girls are healthy and living life to the fullest.
Read More

With Superhero Strength, Leo Defies Mental Health Stigmas
After being diagnosed with ADHD, Leo began working Lurie Children's Dr. John Parkhurst. Through therapy, Leo learned how to harness his skills and strengths to better communicate with his family and friends.
Read More