Jude’s Story — A Mighty Fighter with a Big Personality

Jude was born in May 2018 at just 33 weeks. At only 9 days old, he was placed into a loving home as a tiny 5-pound newborn, showing no immediate health concerns. But just a few months later, his medical journey took an unexpected turn.

At 3 months old, Jude was hospitalized for low oxygen levels — the beginning of a long and complex road through the world of pediatric medicine. By 5 months, he was sent home with a GJ feeding tube and emerging concerns about his lung function. At 8 months, Jude was officially adopted into his forever family, right in the middle of navigating major health questions.

Over the years, Jude has been seen by more than 11 medical specialists and has endured countless tests and hospital stays. Eventually, he was diagnosed with a rare lung condition: Interstitial Lung Disease with an alveoli growth disorder, a diagnosis that helped explain the many challenges he had faced.

Jude continues to rely on his feeding tube and participates in regular therapies, but that doesn’t begin to capture who he is.

Jude is resilient, hilarious, and one-of-a-kind. He’s obsessed with Minecraft, axolotls, and all things imaginative. His personality is larger than life — sharp, silly, and full of heart. Despite every medical twist and turn, he continues to push forward and defy expectations time and time again.

Jude is more than a diagnosis. He’s a fighter, a joy-bringer, and truly one of the bravest kids you’ll ever meet.