Ten-year-old Eliana Gaul of Peosta is being honored as a Kid Captain by University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital and the Iowa Hawkeyes, recognizing her remarkable health care journey and resilience.
Eliana’s parents, Roger and Ashley Gaul, learned during a routine 20-week prenatal ultrasound that their daughter would be born with spina bifida, a condition that occurs when the spinal column does not properly close during pregnancy.
The family was referred to University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital and was given hope by Dr. Andrea Reasoner, a pediatrician with the Center for Disabilities and Development.
The Gauls eventually traveled out of state for planned fetal surgery, but Eliana was born before the procedure could take place. She arrived at just 25 weeks’ gestation, weighing slightly more than one pound.
When Eliana was an infant, her care was transferred to Stead Family Children’s Hospital. Just six days later, she underwent laser eye surgery to treat retinopathy of prematurity, a condition that can cause serious vision problems or blindness in premature infants.
Her medical journey has included numerous additional procedures. Eliana underwent casting to treat club feet, had kidney stones removed and received a shunt to relieve fluid buildup in her brain.
She was later diagnosed with epilepsy and, after experiencing drug-resistant seizures, underwent surgery to have a brain stimulator implanted to help control them.
Eliana also underwent surgery to correct hip dysplasia, a condition in which the bones of the hip joint do not fit together properly. More recently, she had spinal fusion surgery to treat scoliosis, an abnormal curvature of the spine.
Despite the challenges she has faced, Eliana continues to thrive.
Now a fourth grader, Eliana loves school, animals and making new friends. Her family describes her as independent, sweet and full of personality.
“She’s a spitfire, she’s sweet. She’s just the light of the world,” her mother, Ashley, said.
Eliana continues to receive care from seven specialists at Stead Family Children’s Hospital. Her parents say they are grateful for the doctors, nurses and staff who have cared for their daughter throughout her journey.
“We know we’re getting the best care here. They treat you like family,” Roger said.
Now in its 17th year, the Kid Captain program is a partnership between University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital and the Iowa Hawkeyes. The program honors pediatric patients and celebrates their inspirational stories, strength and health care journeys.
Eliana’s story highlights not only the medical challenges she has faced, but also the support of her family, community and health care team throughout her life.
Source: University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital — Kid Captain feature on Eliana Gaul.
More information: uichildrens.org/kid-captain
