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HIE at Birth: A Dad's Story of Brain Injury, NICU Trauma, and Finding Purpose

HIE at Birth: A Dad's Story of Brain Injury, NICU Trauma, and Finding Purpose

Author: Katie Taylor, Certified Child Life Specialist April 1, 2026 Duration: 41:18
Inside the Children's Hospital
KidsKids & FamilyFamilyFitnessHealthHealth & FitnessMedicineParenting

Within minutes of arriving at the hospital, Brady and his wife were told their newborn daughter had suffered a severe brain injury.

In this episode of Inside the Children's Hospital, Katie sits down with Brady Crandall, founder of Youth Crews, to share his family's journey following a diagnosis of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE).

What began as a routine pregnancy quickly turned into an emergency delivery, NICU stay, and a new reality as parents of a medically complex child.

Brady opens up about:

  • The shock and uncertainty of those early days
  • Navigating life as a "medical dad."
  • The balance of grief and joy that often coexist
  • How early intervention and community shaped their path

Through this experience, Brady recognized a gap many families face: a lack of dignified, age-appropriate products for children with disabilities.

That realization led to the creation of Youth Crews—a brand focused on comfort, dignity, and rethinking what medical products can look like for kids.

If you've ever found yourself wishing something existed to better support your child—or felt the pull to create change—this episode will leave you feeling seen, understood, and inspired.

This episode is sponsored by Gebauer PainEase®We extend our sincere gratitude to Gebauer PainEase® for supporting this episode. To learn more about this product, visit their website.

Resources & Ways to Connect

  • Learn more about Youth Crews and their mission to create dignified products for kids with disabilities

  • Follow Youth Crews on Instagram

Mentioned in This Episode

Connect with us! 

 

Disclaimer:
Medical information shared in this episode is not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult your care team for guidance specific to your child.


Keywords:
hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, HIE baby story, NICU brain injury, medical dad perspective, parenting child with disabilities, pediatric brain injury journey, adaptive products for kids, inclusive design children, youth crews diapers, special needs parenting support, early intervention services, disability advocacy parenting, medically complex child parenting, child life support tools


Hosted by Katie Taylor, a Certified Child Life Specialist, Inside the Children's Hospital is a quiet space for the often unspoken journey of pediatric illness. This podcast moves beyond the clinical to explore the human heart of the hospital, offering conversations that feel more like a shared cup of coffee in a waiting room than a formal interview. You'll hear directly from parents and caregivers who articulate the complex mix of fear, resilience, and love they experience, while pediatric nurses, doctors, and therapists provide their unique professional perspectives on fostering healing and normalcy. The discussions naturally delve into the practicalities of family life disrupted, the emotional weight carried by all involved, and the small, profound moments of hope that sustain people. It’s a resource for anyone connected to a child’s health challenge, whether you're a family member seeking solidarity, a friend looking to understand, or simply someone interested in the intersection of medicine and humanity. Each episode aims to validate the listener's own feelings, whether they are in the midst of a crisis or reflecting on one, by presenting these authentic narratives without sugarcoating yet always with profound compassion. Tune in to find a sense of community and a deeper appreciation for the delicate, powerful work happening within those walls.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

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