Leah Wright

College: East Tennessee State University – Fall 2026

Her CDH Story: Leah Wright’s story began with uncertainty, but it has grown into one defined by faith, resilience, and service.

Born at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital with a severe Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH) diagnosis, Leah was placed on ECMO within 24 hours of birth, and underwent surgery the following day. She would spend nearly 60 days in the hospital as her parents navigated the frightening uncertainty surrounding her condition and what her future might hold. Doctors cautioned that even if Leah survived, developmental or learning challenges could follow.

As Leah grew, some of those concerns seemed to surface. By second grade, she was struggling with reading and test-taking, leading her parents to make the difficult decision to have her repeat the grade. Soon afterward, an eye exam revealed that Leah was farsighted. Glasses corrected the problem, but Leah believes the experience gave her something equally important: confidence, stability, and the understanding that setbacks do not have to determine where you finish.

That lesson has stayed with her. Today, Leah carries a 3.87 GPA and has built an impressive record of academic achievement, leadership, service, and work experience. Her middle name, fittingly, is Faith—a word she believes has followed her throughout her journey. It was the faith her parents relied upon during her earliest days in the hospital, the faith they showed when making difficult decisions for her as a child, and the faith Leah now carries into her own future.

Rather than allowing CDH to define what she cannot do, Leah has allowed it to shape the person she wants to become.

Hobbies and Interests: Service has become an important part of Leah’s life. She has volunteered extensively at Ballad Health Greeneville Community Hospital, participated in healthcare-focused work-based learning, served with local community organizations, and traveled on mission trips to Guatemala. She is also a competitive dancer, varsity dance team member, student dance instructor, and National Honor Society member.

Perhaps most meaningful is Leah’s role as a Teen Ambassador for Ronald McDonald House Charities. During her hospitalization as a newborn, Ronald McDonald House supported her family with meals, lodging, and a community of families facing similar challenges. Nearly two decades later, Leah now has the opportunity to give back to the same organization that once cared for her family—a fitting full-circle moment in her CDH journey.

Professional Aspirations: This fall, Leah will attend East Tennessee State University, where she plans to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with the goal of becoming a pediatric nurse.

Her decision is deeply personal. Leah understands that behind every child facing a serious medical diagnosis is a family experiencing its own uncertainty, fear, and hope. She wants to become the kind of healthcare professional who not only cares for the child, but also recognizes the journey of the parents and family standing beside them.

DONATE TO OUR FORE HOPE SCHOLARSHIP FUND