Meet Vinny.

When Vincent’s mom, Amanda, started a toy drive for pediatric patients at Ascension Via Christi St. Francis, she had no idea her son would benefit through those types of donations through Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

Vincent had a rough start. As a baby, he was often sick and saw several doctors and specialists in an effort to get to the bottom of his health issues, many of which involved respiratory issues such as a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and breathing issues.

At the age of 7, Vincent was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis along with pancreatic insufficiency.

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that causes a thick buildup of mucus in the lungs, pancreas and other organs. In those with pancreatic insufficiency, food isn’t properly digested, usually resulting in the person having extreme weight loss or difficulty gaining weight.

Vincent needs to take in 10,000 calories a day to counteract the energy his body expends in trying to breathe.

On an average day, Vincent can take on average 40-60 enzyme capsules a day to manage his cystic fibrosis and related conditions.

Even though Vincent has a lot of health challenges, he’s involved in a running club and other sports-related activities at his elementary school. He’s also an accomplished artist and has plans of working for Marvel one day.

After Vincent’s diagnosis, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals helped the family purchase a special vest that vibrates at a high frequency to help break up the mucus in Vincent’s chest. The family also receives funds, directly from Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals donations, which allow them to travel to Kansas City to see a specialist.