At the 2026 A-BE-C Annual Conference in Los Angeles, Thomas was honored with the Courage to Shine Award in recognition of his remarkable journey and dedication to the bladder exstrophy community. In this inspiring reflection, he shares how bladder exstrophy shaped, but never limited, his life. From complex childhood surgeries to earning a PhD, traveling the world, hiking the Appalachian Trail, and becoming a research scientist and patient advocate, Thomas’s story is a powerful reminder that a diagnosis does not define a person’s future. His message offers hope, perspective, and encouragement for patients and families navigating every stage of the journey.
Read MoreHistoric Consensus: A New Era for Bladder Exstrophy Care
A-BE-C shares groundbreaking survey data from 133 bladder exstrophy families, sparking a historic global collaboration among leading surgeons focused on trust, transparency, and improving outcomes for every child.
Read MoreEl milagro perfecto de Rosina
Rosina comparte la historia de su hija, Fátima, también conocida como “Mily”, y su viaje con extrofia cloacal en el Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.
Read MoreRosina’s Perfect Miracle
Rosina shares the story of her daughter, Fatima aka “Mily”, and their journey with cloacal exstrophy at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.
Read MoreCHOP – Thoughts on COVID-19 Crisis
We have been amazed at our ability as humans to pivot as our reality changed. We have learned about and adapted to this “new normal.” The outpouring of volunteerism that I have seen on our team has been impressive.
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