christian: A mountain mover

Dave and his 14-year-old son, Christian, were riding dirt bikes at an off-road cycle park when Dave saw Christian crash on a jump. He ran to the top of the jump and waved his hands, frantically trying to stop the next wave. Three riders hit Dave, and before he blacked out, he saw a bike land on his boy. 

Christian had suffered a traumatic brain injury. Today, he lives at home after a five-month stay at Phoenix Children’s. He needs 24/7 care from nurses, physical therapists and family members. His days are full of rest, rehabilitation and moments of love. Here’s a look inside his life.

linda: a day in the life

Just weeks before her due date, first-time mom Zitlaly learned her baby had an extremely rare genetic condition called campomelic dysplasia. Children with this condition rarely live past their first year—and if they do, they’re on life support.

Eight years later, Zitlaly’s daughter, Linda, has surpassed all expectations, mystifying medical professionals as she defies all predictions about her prognosis. Get a glimpse into the lives of this mother-daughter team.