Gabrielle’s growing, learning and thriving after care for gastroschisis

Gabrielle Richardson, right, has a close-knit family to support her.

Before she was born, Gabrielle Richardson of Cuyahoga Falls became an Akron Children’s patient. Thanks to an array of Akron Children’s specialists, a strong support system and lots of prayer, she has exceeded all expectations.

A look back

In-utero testing showed Gabrielle had gastroschisis. This birth defect occurs when the abdominal wall doesn’t form completely, and babies are born with their abdominal organs outside of their body. She also had clubfeet.

Gabrielle’s rare variation called closed gastroschisis happens when the abdominal wall closes during development and traps the herniated intestines, resulting in her current condition of short gut syndrome.

Gabrielle arrived 10 weeks early, rushed to the Akron Children’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Within minutes of her birth, she underwent surgery to remove most of her small intestine and part of her large intestine. During her 90-day stay in the NICU, she also had a Broviac catheter surgically placed to help administer nutrients directly into the bloodstream and a G-tube for feedings. She also started casting to improve her clubfeet. Read the first blog post about Gabrielle, featured in 2022.

“Akron Children’s has been a great support system, starting with Gabrielle’s in-utero diagnosis to the present day,” her mom, Sarah, said. “We appreciate all of people – from Maternal-Fetal Medicine, the NICU, Palliative Care, Gastroenterology, Endocrinology, Surgery and Orthopedics – who have given their time, support and expertise to help us during the very difficult times.”

Catching up with Gabrielle

Gabrielle had her feeding tube removed in December 2023 and the tube site surgically closed two months later. “She eats and drinks everything by mouth now — and she doesn’t have restrictions on what she can eat,” Sarah shared. “She enjoys salty crunchy foods. My husband, Terrell, and I work on having her try new foods.”

When the 2025-26 school year begins, Gabrielle will be in the sixth grade. She loves math and science – and enjoys doing STEM challenges in school. “She loves acting and performing. She also sings and will join the middle school choir in the fall,” Sarah said. “She recently started recording and editing videos. She also loves making slime and playing with her younger sister, Olivia.”

Olivia (left) and Gabrielle are not only sisters – but they’re best friends.

Continuing medical care

Gabrielle sees Dr. Reinaldo Garcia-Naveiro, director of Akron Children’s Gastroenterology, every 6 months. They discuss any digestive issues Gabrielle is having — and monitor her weight and height.

She also sees Dr. Mamatha Kambalapalli, pediatric endocrinologist, every 3 to 4 months. The success of the growth hormone Gabrielle takes is tracked, along with her height and weight.

“Dr. Garcia has been with us since the NICU days. He told us from the start that we’d get through this together, and his sense of humor helped us through some tough times,” Sarah recalled. “He genuinely cares for Gabrielle and her well-being. He is thoughtful in his decision-making; he takes our opinions and ideas into consideration. We trust his expertise, which has allowed Gabrielle to come as far as she has.” 

‘With us every step of the way’

In addition to Akron Children’s experts like Dr. Garcia, the Richardson family has had a strong support system throughout Gabrielle’s journey. “We have had amazing support from family, friends and church friends over the years,” Sarah said. “From countless prayers to hospital visits to meals and financial help, they have been with us every step of the way.”

Gabrielle is all smiles after being promoted to middle school.

A daily inspiration

Despite her health challenges, Gabrielle always has a smile on her face. “She has dealt with many difficult issues in her life, but she is one of the most joyful people I know,” Sarah said. “We have trusted in God and have watched Him work miracles in Gabrielle’s life. We give God all the glory. She wasn’t supposed to survive. But here she is 11 years later, thriving!”