Updates

Bad Pants Open Patient Family Story

A Little Warrior Overcomes the Odds

In Texas Children’s Level 4 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), amid beeping machines and hushed conversations, stories of medical marvels, which many call “miracles,” unfold in ways that words can scarcely capture. The story of William Walters is one such story — a journey that began with uncertainty and evolved into a testament of hope, resilience and extraordinary care provided by Texas Children’s NICU physicians and staff.

William's mother, Genny Walters, carries her own story of medical adversity and triumph. Her life was filled with challenges from a young age due to a rare congenital heart defect known as transposition of the great arteries. After undergoing open-heart surgery as an infant, Genny spent her childhood and much of her adult life battling the odds. Despite being told she would likely never have biological children, Genny and her husband, Rob, were determined to pursue parenthood, eventually turning to the gift of surrogacy. 

Their journey took an unexpected turn when, at 20 weeks into her pregnancy, their surrogate began having complications. Then, the couple learned their unborn son faced multiple life-threatening conditions, including a critical heart defect. The news was devastating, but a moment of solace came when Genny saw a note at a nurse’s station, which read, “Don’t worry, God’s got this.” Those words became her anchor through the storm to come — and eventually, her life motto.  

A miraculous birth

The Walters were advised to seek care at Texas Children’s, where Dr. Daniel Penny, Executive Co-Director of Texas Children’s Heart Center, was the first of many experts who became guiding lights for the Walters, offering reassurance and practical support. He gathered a team of world-renowned specialists to prepare for William’s birth and the care he would need, including a life-saving catheterization procedure immediately after birth.  

As the Walters clung to hope, their battle began sooner than expected when their 

William at Texas Children's NICU

surrogate’s water broke during her 25th week of pregnancy. At the time, William weighed only 1 pound, 6 ounces in utero — too small to have his necessary post-birth heart intervention. He needed time to grow, so their surrogate was placed under the care of experts at Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women. There, William remained in the womb for another 24 critical days, giving him the fighting chance he needed.

William was born weighing 2 pounds, 9 ounces, exceeding the birth weight required for his heart intervention. But the Walters’ joy was short-lived as their tiny newborn struggled to survive. 

“For hours, we watched the extraordinary NICU team work tirelessly to keep our baby alive, but William was not responding,” Genny reflected.

An unexpected intervention by a respiratory therapist, also named William, who had prayed for guidance before his shift, marked a turning point. His suggestion to adjust a critical breathing machine setting saved William’s life that day. The Walters say that moment was an act of divine timing and one of many miracles they would witness during their journey.

The fight for survival

The following days were a harrowing battle for William’s life. The day after birth, he developed a severe infection, and his tiny body began shutting down. Doctors warned Genny and Rob that their son might not survive the day.

“We were told, ‘Celebrate your baby now because today will not end well,’” Genny recalled. “Yet, again, God had different plans for William’s life.’”

Against all odds, he continued to fight. After seven critical days, Genny was finally able to hold William for the first time — a milestone she describes as a “miracle moment.”

William’s condition began to look more hopeful for a short time, and the Walters started envisioning a future with their little warrior. Then, on Easter Sunday, he suffered a gastric perforation and quickly began deteriorating again, needing an emergency bedside intervention to repair the hole in his stomach. The odds were against them. Not expecting William to survive the surgery, the Walters said goodbye to their precious baby.

Genny recalls the emotional support they received from the Neonatology team who worked tirelessly that day to save their son.

“They fought for him like he was their own,” she reflected.

She remembers the surgeon’s words when he walked into the waiting room, proclaiming, “He is alive!” — so very fitting on that Easter Sunday. 

Eventually, William was stable enough to have the catheterization procedure to correct his heart problem, which was less invasive than traditional open-heart surgery and essential for his survival. His condition slowly improved, and after 119 days in the NICU, he was finally ready to go home — a moment of indescribable joy for the Walters — and for their newfound Texas Children’s family.

A thriving future

Today, William is a thriving, energetic second-grader, defying the odds with no learning delays or physical disabilities. His care teams are amazed by his remarkable recovery, growth and development. He continues to receive annual check-ups among five services at Texas Children’s, but his overall health is good.

William’s story is a shining example of the life-saving care that happens every day within the walls of Texas Children’s NICU, 

but it’s also a story about the resilience of the human spirit.

Genny recalls her family’s journey with profound gratitude. “There’s no way William would be here and thriving without the incredible care from Texas Children’s,” she beamed. 

The Annual Bad Pants Golf Tournament supports Texas Children’s Neonatal ICU to ensure that all families receive the same level of care and compassionate support that made William's recovery possible. Thank you for being part of this life-changing journey.