Riley was diagnosed with Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR), a condition where he wasn’t growing as he should have been. What followed was a whirlwind of emotions and medical interventions. Sarah was transferred to OSF Saint Francis Medical Center and put on bed rest, waiting for Riley to arrive. But during this time, doctors discovered the umbilical cord was wrapped around Riley’s neck, leading to an emergency C-section that ultimately saved his life.

Born 9 weeks early on April 21, 2012, Riley weighed just 1 lb and 13 oz. He was tiny but perfect in every way.

Immediately after his birth, Riley was whisked away to the NICU at OSF Children’s Hospital of Illinois, where he would spend the first 90 days of his life. For Sarah, it was heart-wrenching to see her newborn son taken away without being able to hold him, but she knew he was in the best hands. The expert care provided by the OSF team was crucial to Riley’s survival.

Riley’s journey in the NICU was filled with challenges. At one point, his blood sugar levels dropped dangerously low, and he struggled to feed, requiring intravenous nutrition, which led to additional complications. After 90 days in the NICU, Riley was able to go home, but his health struggles continued. He was admitted to the PICU just two days later due to fluid in his lungs, and throughout his first year, he faced two double hernias, a UTI, and a broken arm caused by brittle bone disease.

During this time, the nurses and staff at OSF became more than just caregivers—they were a lifeline for Sarah and her family. On the days when Sarah felt helpless, they were there to support her, listen to her fears, and offer comfort. They even prayed with her and provided keepsakes like photos of Riley and clay molds of his tiny footprints when she couldn’t be by his side.

Over the years, Riley has seen a team of specialists, including gastroenterologists, endocrinologists, pulmonologists, surgeons, and speech therapists. He had a feeding tube from the age of 4 months until he turned 4 years old. Through it all, Riley has shown remarkable strength and resilience.

Today, Riley is a thriving 10-year-old boy who loves to sing, dance, and build Lego sets. To the outside world, he seems like any other kid, but to Sarah, he is her miracle.

The Schultz family’s experience at OSF Children’s Hospital of Illinois is a testament to the exceptional care and compassion provided by the entire team. From the moment Riley was born to the ongoing care he continues to receive, the dedication of the OSF staff has made all the difference.