
If you have attended Dance Marathon at UF in recent years, chances are you’ve seen a young girl with braided pigtails in the center of all the action. Meet Kendall Lewis, AKA Miss K.
When Miss K was born in 2011, she was transported to UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital due to multiple birth defects unknown to her parents, Mindy and Ray.
Miss K spent nearly 50 days in the hospital. Physicians diagnosed her with a disorder that affects multiple body systems, VACTERL Association. VACTERL stands for vertebral defects, anal atresia, cardiac defects, tracheo-esophageal fistula, renal anomalies and limb abnormalities.
UF Health physicians and care teams continue to treat and oversee Miss K’s care. Out of the unforeseen circumstances, her family is grateful for the positive outcomes.
“She is still here with us today,” Mindy said. “Every day is a great day, but the day she got to come home after spending six and a half weeks in the hospital was special.”
Now, Miss K and her family are proud to spread the word about CMN Hospitals and how important this program is to local children and families.
“The care Miss K receives at the children’s hospital means everything,” Mindy said. “It has kept us close to home, and the fact that they are one of the leading hospitals in the state and the nation helps give us peace of mind. The staff has always been fabulous. They are keeping up with the times and always looking toward the future.”
Interested in learning more about our CMN Ambassador Program? Visit giving.UFHealth.org/ambassadors.