Meet Holden, Riley & Finley: Children's Miracle Network Heroes

Meet Holden, Riley & Finley: Children's Miracle Network Heroes

The Buisman family is no stranger to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Each of Jake Buisman and Carley Buisman's three children spent time there after their births. Twins Holden and Riley were born prematurely at 34 weeks and spent a week in the NICU - Holden with low blood sugar, jaundice and respiratory issues and Riley with congenital heart disease, jaundice and low blood sugar.

But Finley - also a preemie born at 36 weeks - faced more serious complications. Though early, doctors believed that if Carley had waited until her scheduled appointment the following day, Finley might not be here. That led to some tense days that followed. With low assessment scores, doctors were very wary about Finley's chances of survival.

At birth, Finley was diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, was large (10 pounds, 4 ounces) for his gestational age, had a left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, a heart murmur and was designated a medically complex patient. With multiple heart conditions and an unknown infection, Finley remained in the NICU for a month.

Following Finley's discharge, he was briefly readmitted for RSV, but now, he's an active kindergartner who loves playing outside with his siblings. He still sees a cardiologist once a year to monitor his complex heart conditions, but despite it all, he's thriving, as are his brother and sister.

With three kids spending time in the NICU, Jake and Carley needed help, and that's where Children's Miracle Network (CMN) stepped in. They were provided with meal vouchers while at the hospital, where Holden, Riley and Finley each used the NICU's Panda Warmers, which CMN purchased for the department.

"CMN is important in our community because they provide families with hope," Carley says. "Not only do they support families financially, but also emotionally during some of the toughest times of their lives. I cannot thank CMN enough for all they have done."

If you would like to support Finley, Holden and Riley and families like theirs, visit our CMN webpage or call .