Boy, family hoping to spread hope to other CDH patients
»Play Video
SNOQUALMIE, Wash. -- Four-year-old Hunter Stembler is defying the odds despite having been born with a life-threatening medical condition.
Today, Hunter is an animated, smart and energetic boy. But before he was even born, doctors diagnosed him with congenital diaphragmatic hernia.
"The diaphragm didn't form, so his stomach, his liver, his intestines were all in his chest," said his mother, Christina Stembler.
Approximately 1,600 babies born in U.S. each year have CDH, and only half survive. Doctors said Hunter's chances were even less. But Hunter was born a fighter, according to his dad.
"To me, it's not that he's a survivor; he's a warrior," said Aaron Stembler.
On Thursday, Hunter marched for International CDH Awareness Day. His mom hopes Hunter's participation brings awareness to the public and hope for others battling CDH.
"I want people to look at him and realize there's a chance. There really is a chance," said Christina.
Just last week, Hunter was able to taste a few spoonfuls of yogurt for the first time in his life. a It was huge accomplishment for the boy, who has always relied on a feeding tube.
But despite his difficulties, the boy's appetite for life remains unchanged.
"Everyday, he wakes up with a smile. He goes to bed with a smile," said his mother.
Today, Hunter is an animated, smart and energetic boy. But before he was even born, doctors diagnosed him with congenital diaphragmatic hernia.
"The diaphragm didn't form, so his stomach, his liver, his intestines were all in his chest," said his mother, Christina Stembler.
Approximately 1,600 babies born in U.S. each year have CDH, and only half survive. Doctors said Hunter's chances were even less. But Hunter was born a fighter, according to his dad.
"To me, it's not that he's a survivor; he's a warrior," said Aaron Stembler.
On Thursday, Hunter marched for International CDH Awareness Day. His mom hopes Hunter's participation brings awareness to the public and hope for others battling CDH.
"I want people to look at him and realize there's a chance. There really is a chance," said Christina.
Just last week, Hunter was able to taste a few spoonfuls of yogurt for the first time in his life. a It was huge accomplishment for the boy, who has always relied on a feeding tube.
But despite his difficulties, the boy's appetite for life remains unchanged.
"Everyday, he wakes up with a smile. He goes to bed with a smile," said his mother.
