Brooke Seffens

College: University of Alabama - Fall, 2025

Her CDH Story: I was born blue, silent, and fighting to breathe—taking over 100 breaths per minute. I was immediately taken from my mother and rushed by ambulance to another hospital, while my father followed in panic. I had less than a 50 percent chance of survival. I was born with an undetected congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), a birth defect that caused my stomach, intestines, liver, and pancreas to move into my chest, preventing my lung from developing normally. I was intubated and placed in the highest level NICU, and at just five days old—once my blood pressure stabilized—I underwent surgery to repair my diaphragm and reposition my organs. Today, I live with one functioning lung.

CDH has been my teacher throughout my life. Growing up, I was just like any other kid—except I tired faster, couldn’t always keep up, and carried an inhaler and a scar that set me apart. I remember running to the sideline during a soccer game to use my inhaler, something no other kid had to do. Wanting to fit in, I stopped using it and pushed through, even though physical activity—especially cardio—was always harder for me.

At 13, my high school news team shared my story and gave me a name I would come to embrace: the One Lung Wonder. That moment changed how I saw myself. I realized that if I could survive what I was born into, I could persevere through any physical or mental challenge. Whether pushing through an exhausting water polo practice or tackling difficult moments in the classroom, I learned that my limits were far greater than I believed.

That mindset helped me become a three-year varsity water polo player and a two-year varsity swimmer. I am deeply grateful for the life I was given and the strength I was born with. Even when the battles are hard, I continue to push forward, determined to overcome any obstacle in the way of my goals. I am the One Lung Wonder.

Hobbies and Interests: Brooke’s hobbies center on athletics, service, and personal growth. She is deeply involved in competitive sports, including varsity water polo and swimming, where she challenges herself physically and mentally despite living with one functioning lung. Outside of athletics, Brooke enjoys volunteering in hospital settings, particularly at Sutter Health, where she assists patients and supports nursing staff. She is also passionate about mentoring and working with younger athletes through youth water polo programs and summer camps, combining leadership, resilience, and a strong desire to give back to her community.

Professional Aspirations: Brooke wants to become a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) nurse so she can care for critically ill newborns and support their families, especially those affected by congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). Inspired by her own medical journey and the nurses who once cared for her, she has intentionally prepared for nursing through coursework, internships, and hospital volunteering. Beyond nursing, Brooke also hopes to raise awareness and support for the CDH community by getting involved in philanthropy through the University of Alabama’s Greek system, using that platform to educate others and support organizations like Fore Hadley.

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