Meet Gideon: A Guy on the Go

Tough Start

Born eight weeks early in Texas to a drug addicted mother, Gideon weighed only three pounds. He also had one of the worst cases of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) that his doctors had ever seen. His tiny body was in withdrawal from the drugs he was exposed to in the womb, leading to seizures, trouble feeding, severe pain and more. The doctors warned his new, adoptive parents, Sara and Andy from Monroe, Ohio, that Gideon may never see, speak or walk.

A New Beginning at Cincinnati Children’s

When Sara and Andy brought Gideon home to Ohio, they took him to Cincinnati Children’s for evaluation and treatment. There, he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and other health issues. But Gideon was a fighter.

In 2016, when Gideon was 6-years-old, Sara and Andy promised to take him to Disney World. Gideon told them when they go there, he’d walk onto the Peter Pan ride. He worked hard at his physical therapy. And it paid off. Using crutches, Gideon was able to walk onto the ride, just as he said he would.

And he didn’t stop there. Thanks to some special equipment, he’s even gone skiing! Watch the video here.

Defying The Odds

Gideon turned 10 in 2018. He is thriving — loves school, reading, writing and playing. His favorite summer activities are swimming and visiting Kings Island. A spunky and energetic kid, he enjoys all kinds of sports.

You Make a Difference
The partnership between Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and Cincinnati Children’s raised $1.2 million to help kids, like Gideon, who rely on expert, ongoing care. Funds raised ease the burden of out-of-pocket medical costs for families, support programs to train staff and parents on best practices and so much more. Thank you!