Real Hope for CDH

      Affectionately known as "KAYS' KIDS"

  Learn about a 92% survival rate for CDH babies born here at Shands

  Learn about a 92% survival rate for CDH babies born here at Shands

Dr. Kays' Team Has a 92% Survival Rate for CDH babies born at Shands

CDH baby under the watchful eye of Dr. David Kays

Real Hope for CDH is a parent group consisting of and dedicated to families of children born with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernias (CDH). Members' babies were either born at Shands Children's Hospital at the University of Florida or transported there shortly after birth. All of these babies were fortunate enough to have been treated by pediatric surgeon Dr. David Kays.

CDH is a life threatening birth defect in which the diaphragm does not completely form, allowing some of the contents of the abdomen to protrude into the chest and hinder the normal growth of lung tissue. CDH affects approximately one in 3000 babies, and the national survival rate for babies born with CDH falls between 50% and 65%.

The mission of the Real Hope for CDH parent group is to be a patient support group offering information on our experiences with CDH and the "gentle ventilation" technique used to treat our children. Some of our members are located in Northern Florida near Shands hospital; however, we have members as far away as Ohio, Arizona, West Virginia, Illinois, Colorado and Virginia who have traveled to Gainesville to benefit from Dr. Kays' success with congenital diaphragmatic hernia babies. If you would like to contact one of our member parents with any questions you may have, please click here.

Dr. Kays and the pediatric surgery faculty at the University of Florida have a 92% SURVIVAL RATE for CDH babies born at Shands. He credits much of their success to being at the right place at the right time, to the "gentle ventilation" technique that they use, and to his training from Drs. Charlie Stolar and Jen Wung at Columbia University. He also acknowledges the critical support and guidance he has received from Drs. James L. Talbert, Professor Emeritus and Dr. Max R. Langham, Jr., Professor and Chief, Division of Pediatric Surgery.

Listen to an Interview, click play below.  (Note: The interview link once clicked may take a few minutes to load).  Copyright 2004 WUFT-FM.

Please contact Carl Firestone for any Donation questions or concerns.

Please read the following information

The material found on this website is for informational purposes only & cannot be relied upon for the diagnosis, treatment or follow up care of children with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia ("CDH"). The website is meant as a medium of transfer of information for those who have a loved one with CDH and those who wish to learn more about this disease.

Although we sincerely believe, based on our experiences and available research, that the "gentle ventilation" treatment is the best available treatment for children afflicted with CDH, we are not qualified to give medical advice and any information contained in this website should not be considered medical advice.

Are you a parent carrying a child with CDH? Click here to contact Dr. Kays and his staff