07/22/2026
Meet Declan!
Born at just 23 weeks and five days gestation, Declan’s family knew the road ahead would be anything but easy. He developed bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), a chronic lung disease that affects many babies born too soon.
At seven weeks old, Declan was transferred to Nationwide Children’s and spent the next eight months reaching multiple milestones.
As his lungs healed, he progressed from a ventilator to CPAP, then to a nasal cannula.
Then, he took his first bottle.
“He loved that, I loved that,” Declan’s mom shares. “It was so fun to do. Something normal, even though he had this huge mask on.”
After hernia surgery and placement of a low-profile gastrostomy tube to allow nutrition to be administered directly into his stomach, Declan was finally ready to go home.
As soon as they returned home, Declan’s therapy transferred to the Nationwide Children’s Close to Home Center in Mansfield, only five minutes away from home.
Every week, Declan goes to physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy.
The network of support is something Declan’s family is thankful for.
“It’s the only thing keeping us going. Having people telling us, ‘You’re doing a good job, we’re doing this together.’ Even when I get discouraged…they point out the things he’s made progress on.”
During one of his therapy appointments at Nationwide Children’s, his mom watched as Declan took his first steps - a milestone that once felt so far away.
Today, Declan is walking, practicing his eye-hand coordination and signing. He’s a happy boy who is deeply loved. And with the support of his family and clinical team, he is set up to flourish.
Visit our website to learn more about our Close to Home Centers, providing care for families across Ohio: https://bit.ly/4vH8Wfu.
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Video description: Video shows a toddler taking their first steps in a clinical space with bright blue walls. A therapist stands behind the toddler, helping them to walk.
