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Nolan Henderson
Nolan
LIVING UP TO HIS NAME
When the Henderson family first laid eyes on their newborn son, Nolan, they never could have known how much he would live up to the meaning of his name – a champion. Nolan was diagnosed in utero with a rare genetic condition known as Mowat-Wilson syndrome, which can cause significant delays in development of motor skills, as well as other serious health conditions afflicting the digestive system, heart, lungs, and more.
Since his delivery at Levine Children’s in 2016, Nolan and his parents, Joel and Theresa, have found strength in the compassionate doctors, nurses, therapists, and Child Life staff found at Levine Children's topranked outpatient specialty center. Over the years, Nolan has undergone multiple surgeries, countless medical procedures, and continuous monitoring to help him overcome many physical and developmental challenges, including a congenital heart defect.
An Atrium Health teammate and member of the hospital's Family Advisory Council, Theresa knows first-hand the emphasis Levine Children’s places on patient-centered and family-centered care.
“We’re so grateful Nolan’s journey began at Levine Children’s and continues there today,” shared Theresa. “Surrounded by the love of his family – and his second family at Levine Children’s – we’ve watched with pride as Nolan has grown and thrived, reaching more milestones than we ever could have imagined.”
The Hendersons count each day with their little champion “NoNo” – now six years old – as a blessing. Thanks to Levine Children’s, Nolan has defied the odds and achieved the hallmarks of a happy childhood, each memory a cherished gift to his family: a first birthday party, complete with cupcakes smeared across his smiling face; the sounds of laughter filling the halls of their home when Nolan plays with his big sister; and Nolan’s recovery following surgery for a congenital heart defect.
