A newborn from Hesston is home and healthy thanks to an advanced treatment provided at Via Christi St. Joseph Hospital in Wichita. Baby Grayson was born on April 4, and the neonatal team immediately began critical care in the hospital’s Level 3 NICU.

Initially, Grayson was placed on non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) and later intubated, as reported by KWCH. When his condition didn’t improve after receiving surfactant and being returned to NIPPV, doctors discovered he had a pneumothorax—a condition where air leaks into the space around the lungs. Further evaluation revealed a rare and serious lung condition called pulmonary interstitial emphysema (PIE), in which air gets trapped around the alveoli, making treatment difficult with standard methods.

Grayson was then placed on a high-frequency jet ventilator—specialized equipment available only at St. Joseph in the region. The ventilator helped his lungs heal, and within three days, he was breathing well enough to come off the machine. He made a full recovery and was able to go home in good health.

Grayson’s mother, Natalie Shifflett, a nurse in the NICU, credited the medical team and her experience for guiding the family through the ordeal. Now, with a healthy baby at home, she encourages other moms facing similar challenges to stay strong and hopeful.