Julianna Trudden

College: Ohio State University - Fall, 2026

Her CDH Story: From the moment she was born, Julianna Trudden's journey has been one of resilience. Born with a severe congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), many of her abdominal organs had moved into her chest, compressing her lungs and relocating her heart. Her first months of life were spent in the NICU, followed by years of routine appointments with specialists and periodic hospital visits. While medical challenges became a normal part of childhood, one unexpected experience stood out: at just seven years old, Julianna underwent emergency gallbladder surgery. Rather than leaving her discouraged, the experience deepened her appreciation for the doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals who cared for her.

As she grew older, Julianna chose not to let her medical history limit her. Instead of focusing on what she couldn't do, she found new ways to stay active and pursue the things she loved. She traded soccer and softball for rowing, discovered a passion that ultimately led her to compete at Youth Rowing Nationals, and continued to excel academically despite balancing medical appointments and a demanding schedule. Looking back, Julianna says that CDH is not what defines her—it is what shaped her into someone who embraces challenges, remains optimistic through adversity, and approaches every obstacle with determination. Those experiences have given her both perspective and purpose, inspiring her to help others facing similar journeys.

Hobbies and Interests: Outside the classroom, Julianna has built a life centered on service, leadership, and continuous learning. She graduates near the top of her class while balancing a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum, National Honor Society leadership, varsity rowing, and part-time employment. Teachers consistently describe her as intellectually curious, exceptionally disciplined, and someone who genuinely loves learning for its own sake. As co-chair of her school's peer tutoring program and a student library assistant, she is known for taking time to help classmates succeed and making everyone feel welcome.

Her commitment to serving others extends well beyond school. Julianna volunteers through her church, supports local food drives, mentors younger students, and has spent summers helping provide meals and activities for children in her community. Those who know her best describe her as someone who quietly leads by example—earning respect not simply for her accomplishments, but for the compassion and integrity she demonstrates every day.

Professional Aspirations: Julianna's experiences as a CDH survivor have inspired a clear vision for her future. This fall, she will attend The Ohio State University, where she plans to study Medical Laboratory Science before pursuing advanced training toward a career in cardiothoracic surgery. Having witnessed firsthand the life-changing impact of skilled surgeons, researchers, and laboratory professionals, she hopes to dedicate her career to improving outcomes for children born with CDH and other complex congenital conditions.

While she recognizes that medicine demands years of education and hard work, Julianna sees that challenge as an opportunity rather than an obstacle. She hopes to combine patient care with research, helping advance scientific understanding while providing families with the same hope and compassion that her own family received. For Julianna, this career path is more than a profession—it is a chance to give back to the community that has supported her since birth. By transforming her own experiences into a lifetime of service, she hopes to ensure that future children born with CDH have even greater opportunities to survive, thrive, and pursue their own dreams.