PHOENIX — At age eight, Norah Humphrey is thriving, but it was a different story when she was first born.
"It was pretty jarring to get that news and it was very confusing," said Sean Humphrey.
Her father Sean recalled the frantic first hours. "Nora was born at Banner Thunderbird and they immediately med-evaced her to Phoenix Children's and she went basically straight into a procedure when she was born," said Sean.
"Cause my leg or my foot is like crooked," added Norah.
"So, she had a clubfoot. She had an extra finger and she was born with a condition called transposition of the great arteries. And she ended up having two open heart surgeries and multiple heart cath procedures for that," said Sean.
They credit the doctors, advancing science and especially the world-class care at Phoenix Children's for Norah's success.
"I think that something that really sets these guys apart from other, you know, facilities or programs that we've interacted with is just the compassion, I think. And the level of service that they really do provide, in just comforting and caring for these kids. You know, we've had mixed experiences at some other programs or facilities she's been, but but PCH has always been consistent. And I think, I think that's something that's really important is that, you know, people. You can have intelligent and skilled doctors, but if the compassion piece is lacking, or if they if they can't, like speak with a child or speak to you in a way that makes sense, right for you to understand or internalize the things that are happening. That just makes such a huge difference," said Sean.
Norah and her dad shared photos of her journey with PCH. The pictures are all a tangible reminder for Norah of how far she's come.
"Do you feel like you're a pretty strong fighter type of person?" her dad asked her.
"Yeah," Norah replied.
"That's what I think," added Sean.
Norah's incredible story is just beginning.
"It's just such a blessing that she's doing so well and has gotten through all these things and gets to have a life, you know, because of their care that they've provided her there," said Sean.
You can make a difference for families like the Humphreys.
Kaley O'Kelley shares her inspiring conversation with the new president of the Black Chamber of Arizona:
"She’s a mentor, a visionary, and a true community hero! Dr. Velma Trayham is a self-made entrepreneur and calls poverty a state of mind! I can't wait to watch her shine even more light on programs that support underrepresented communities to help move Arizona's economy forward."
On April 10th ABC15 is hosting its annual telethon benefiting Phoenix Children's hospital. We will be taking phone calls for donations from 6:00 a.m. until 10:35 p.m. that night.
You can also donate anytime by calling 602-933-4567 or going to ABC15.com/telethon.
