Key Takeaways:
• Nikki DeLoach, the ‘Curious Caterer’ star, celebrates son’s courage after comprehensive sleep study at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.
• Bennett, DeLoach’s six-year-old son, has undergone several surgeries following his congenital heart defects diagnosis at birth.
• Through her Instagram stories, DeLoach provides updates on Bennett’s condition, advocating for awareness on congenital heart defects and gratitude for CHLA.
• After her son’s ordeal, DeLoach has become an active philanthropic voice for the hospital, raising millions of dollars as the President of CHLA’s board of trustees.
Heralding Bennett’s Courage Amid Health Issues
Hallmark star Nikki DeLoach celebrated the courage of her six-year-old son, Bennett, when he completed a sleep study at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA). Bennett was diagnosed with life-threatening congenital heart defects (CHDs) after he was born in September 2017. Since then, he has undergone multiple surgeries at CHLA.
On May 31, 2024, DeLoach documented her son’s sleep study via Instagram stories. Sharing a photo of Bennett with wires and sensors fastened to his head and chest, she commented on his bravery in confronting this experience.
Parenting a Child with Special Medical Needs: Lessons Learned
In another post, DeLoach highlighted her newfound wisdom from observing Bennett’s strength and resilience amid his health struggles. Bennett’s resilience was evident as he managed his fear, acknowledged his merit, and, eventually, fell asleep with an oxygen tube in his nose. DeLoach stated that witnessing children’s enduring spirit and strength at CHLA has been both humbling and life-changing.
Bennett’s Health Journey: From Diagnosis to Ongoing Care
The star shared that doctors detected Bennett’s multiple heart defects during her pregnancy. Among the identified conditions were a ventricular septal defect, a narrow aorta, and a misplaced coronary artery. These necessitated Bennett’s first open-heart surgery just five days after his birth, a procedure that DeLoach described as “the impossible,” considering most children do not survive such procedures.
Over the course of his young life, Bennett has undergone three heart surgeries, all closely monitored by his dedicated team of doctors. The family continues to share Bennett’s progressing condition, using their platform to raise awareness about CHDs and to voice their gratitude for the medical staff at CHLA.
Philanthropic Efforts for CHLA: An Outpouring of Gratitude
Fuelled by her son’s health challenges and the hospital’s instrumental role in his survival, DeLoach has taken an active role in fundraising for CHLA. As the President of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, she has contributed to raising millions of dollars in aid.
One of her most significant contributions was roping in her friend Justin Timberlake to headline the foundation’s gala. Additionally, she helped amass $500,000 at the Walk and Play LA event, which drew 2,000 attendees.
DeLoach champions the CHLA staff, who she says has kept her son alive and thriving. Her phrase, “We love this place so much,” encapsulates the family’s deep appreciation for the care and dedication they have experienced at the hospital.
The popularity of the hospital is not limited to DeLoach’s family. Late-night show host Jimmy Kimmel has also entrusted the care of his son to CHLA. Kimmel airs his gratitude publicly towards the hospital and its finance facilitators, including the Affordable Care Act, Disney, and other individual donors, in his own call for support.
DeLoach’s public sharing of Bennett’s experiences and her active philanthropy underscore the extended medical journey families with CHDs face. It is through this heartfelt narrative that she continues to raise awareness about CHDs and the indomitable spirit of children living with them.