Tillian’s journey began long before he had heart surgery at Cincinnati Children’s and long before took his first steps. And his story underscores the importance of early diagnosis, skilled medical intervention, and the profound impact donations can have on children's lives.
Born with Williams syndrome—a rare genetic condition affecting roughly 1 in 10,000 births—Tillian faced challenges from the very start. Missing critical genes on his seventh chromosome, Tillian’s body struggled to produce the elastic tissue that keeps arteries open and functioning.
Eventually, this led to a serious heart defect, including a narrowing of the aorta, and contributed to global developmental delays
(Global developmental delay refers to children ages 5 and younger who are significantly delayed in two or more areas of their development, such as motor skills like sitting and walking and cognitive skills such as learning and problem-solving.)
At just months old, Tillian underwent open-heart surgery at Cincinnati Children’s.
What followed—complications and emergency reintubation—left his family fearing the worst. Yet through every setback, Tillian fought hard and was supported by dedicated specialists across Cincinnati Children’s who refused to lose hope.
Each milestone became a celebration: passing a swallow study just before his first birthday, taking in his first taste of cake, slowly gaining strength that once felt out of reach.
Today, Tillian is thriving. At his most recent check-up, doctors shared extraordinary news: he now has normal blood flow through his aorta for the first time in his life.
His progress is a testament not only to world-class medical care, but to the power of early diagnosis, specialized therapy, and the generosity of people who choose to give.
Families like Tillian’s know firsthand that donations to Cincinnati Children’s aren’t abstract—they directly transform futures.
Support fuels groundbreaking research, helps to equip expert care teams, and ensures that children like Tillian who are born with rare conditions receive life-changing treatment when it matters most.
As Tillian’s family puts it: “One little bit can give someone 50 years of opportunity. You just don’t know the opportunity you might be giving a child.”
(Published March 2026)
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