FOX 2’s team had the privilege of being present in the delivery room at Barnes Jewish Hospital to witness a challenging birth involving a baby with a rare condition. Hayden Hoskins was born with an omphalocele, wherein a portion of his organs had developed externally on his abdomen during pregnancy.
Omphalocele is a condition that affects approximately one in every 5,300 newborns, and Hayden’s parents discovered his condition during a routine ultrasound. Determined to seek the best care available, Andy and Kelsea Hoskins traveled from Quincy, Illinois, to the renowned Barnes Jewish and Children’s Hospital in St.
Louis, is known for its expertise in treating omphalocele cases. Our cameras documented the extraordinary moment when Hayden entered the world. Due to the nature of his condition, neither the doctors nor his parents knew if Hayden’s ability to breathe would be affected until he was born.
After delivery, Hayden was transferred to the NICU at Children’s Hospital, where he received the necessary assistance to breathe. For the next five and a half months, Hayden lived at home with the visible growth attached to his abdominal area. Typically, babies with omphalocele wait about a month before undergoing corrective surgery, but Hayden’s readiness allowed for early intervention.
He underwent corrective surgery to return his organs to their proper place within his abdomen. The doctors assured his parents that Hayden would grow up just like any other boy his age and wouldn’t face any lasting health complications. Although there might be a potential risk of hernias in the future, Hayden has experienced no problems since his surgery.
FOX 2 recently reunited with Hayden and his family for the first time since his birth a decade ago when he visited St. Charles for a youth soccer game. Hayden has blossomed into a healthy 10-year-old, displaying a picture of vitality. He excels as a soccer and hockey player and has developed a passion for mountain biking. Notably intelligent, he even skipped a grade in school. Hayden speaks casually about his early condition, as it is now a part of his past.
The only physical reminders he carries are a scar on his stomach and a recording of FOX 2‘s story documenting his complex birth. Every year on his birthday, Hayden and his family watch the video, serving as a reminder of how far they have come and expressing their deep gratitude for the journey they have traversed over the past decade.
