“I'm so thankful for Caleb’s miracle story and that his life was spared. It taught me to value life, never give up, and to wear my scars proudly.”

- Clarissa Toney

Clarissa Toney

College: University of Florida - Fall, 2024

• Her CDH Story: Growing up in a household with a CDH survivor definitely shaped my view of overcoming adversity. My older brother, Caleb, is a survivor and known to those who gave him medical care as, "Toeless Wonderboy." I am five years younger than Caleb, but know the story so well that it's like I lived it alongside him. He beat the odds many times throughout his repair, ECMO run and severe pulmonary hypertension. I'm so thankful for his miracle story and that his life was spared. It taught me to value life, never give up, and to wear my scars proudly. I learned these lessons early in my education.

  Wild child, crazy girl, hyper, excessively talkative, too loud, demanding-all of these characteristics could have described me as a child. It came as no surprise, that during the summer in between my second and third grade school years, I was formally diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. I remember hearing this diagnosis but not really fully understanding what it meant. What I did know as an 8 year old, was that it was extremely difficult for me to control my emotions, movements, reactions, and stay focused. So how did this crazy gal become second in her class (out of 419 students) and on track to be Middleburg High School's 2024 Salutatorian? The answer isn't a miracle cure or magic pill. The answer was never giving up. Caleb's life inspired me to do just that!

• Hobbies and Interests: A very busy young lady, Clarissa spends her time (800 hours in high school alone!) volunteering and supporting multiple different missions and organizations: Ronald McDonald House, The Green Cove Food Bank, The Spring Church Childcare, Clay County Sheriffs Blessing Bags, and Middleburg Trunk or Treat among many others. She also won Miss Clay County, graduated as class Salutatorian, and played elite level volleyball.

• Professional Aspirations: I'm going back to where it all started. I was elated when I received my acceptance to the University of Florida. I plan on earning my undergraduate degree in biology, and then applying to medical school. It is like coming full circle for my family and me. Caleb received his care at Shands at the University of Florida, and now I'm going to Gainesville to receive my education to hopefully become a doctor that treats babies with life threatening conditions like CDH. It will be a long road, but I am determined and inspired to accomplish just that!

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