When Sarah and Kevin Bradner went in for what they expected to be a routine 20-week ultrasound on February 27, 2020, their lives changed forever. They learned that their son, Milo, had been diagnosed with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) — a rare condition affecting about 1 in 2,500 babies. In CDH, the diaphragm does not form properly, allowing abdominal organs to shift into the chest cavity and impair lung development.
Prior to that day, the couple had never heard of CDH. “We were shocked, confused, scared and uninformed,” they shared. “But as we learned more… we buckled in for a journey we knew would be incredibly unique and a roller coaster of emotions.”
Exceptional Care at Lurie Children’s Hospital
Due to the severity of Milo’s condition, he was delivered and received specialized care at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. Sarah and Kevin quickly felt confident in the expert maternal-fetal medicine and neonatal team.

Milo Bradner was born on July 10, 2020. He was immediately placed on ECMO (a life-support system that rests the heart and lungs). Two days later, surgeons performed a complex hernia repair — Milo was missing nearly 90% of his diaphragm, which the team reconstructed using his own muscle tissue.
For the next 18 days, Milo fought bravely. He underwent multiple procedures, started small feedings of breast milk, opened his eyes, squeezed his parents’ fingers, and responded to their voices. “He would raise his arms, lift his legs, and seem to react to hearing us read to him,” his parents recalled. “In the end, Milo gave it everything he had and fought like an absolute warrior.”
Tragically, on July 27, 2020, Milo suffered a pulmonary hemorrhage and passed away at just 18 days old. “All it took was 18 days for Milo to redefine strength and change our lives forever,” Sarah and Kevin said.
Cherished Moments and Lasting Bonds
Even amid profound grief, beautiful moments stood out. Before his first surgery, Milo was baptized at his bedside by the hospital chaplain. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, only a small group could attend, but the chaplain sang a special song the family still sings to feel close to Milo.
The family also formed a deep bond with Milo’s primary NICU nurse, Laura, who became his godparent. That connection continues today through birthday celebrations, fundraisers, and milestones. “No matter who was working in Milo’s room, we always knew he was in the best hands,” they shared. “But there was a different sense of comfort when that person was Laura. She became family to us.”

Turning Grief into Purpose: The For Milo Memorial Fund
Inspired by their son’s strength, Sarah and Kevin began creating giraffe pins with Milo’s initials (MBK) to thank his care team. After his passing, this gesture grew into widespread support and eventually the For Milo Foundation.
In 2026, in partnership with Lurie Children’s, they established the For Milo Memorial Fund. The fund provides financial assistance to families who lose a child, helping cover funeral and end-of-life expenses so they can focus on grieving and honoring their little one rather than financial burdens.
“After experiencing first-hand the emotional and financial strain… we quickly realized the need to support families who are also navigating the unimaginable,” they explained. “No family should be faced with a financial challenge from essential costs of end-of-life care while grieving the loss of a child.”
The family is committed to sustaining the fund through 2028 and beyond. Community events — including custom merchandise, tie-dye fundraisers, and trivia nights — continue to grow the For Milo community and raise awareness.