Meet Kale Collier, the “boss baby” of the Riley NICU, a little fighter whose story is nothing short of extraordinary. Despite being only a few months old, Kale has already earned the nickname “boss baby” from his primary nurse, Caryn Sundling, who lovingly calls him this because, at nearly 8 months old, he’s among the oldest patients in the unit. Though most babies in the NICU are much younger, Kale’s strong personality, determination, and resilience have made him a standout in the hospital, earning the admiration of everyone who meets him.
Kale’s journey into the world has not been an easy one. Born prematurely, he faced significant health challenges from the start. But there was more to his journey than just the obstacles that came with being born early.
Kale was also diagnosed with a rare condition known as pulmonary interstitial glycogenesis, a serious disorder that affects the lungs. This rare condition makes it difficult for Kale to breathe properly, leading to additional challenges in his fight for survival.
From the moment he was born, Kale has faced a series of medical interventions and obstacles, but he has never given up. His mother, who has been by his side every step of the way, says that Kale is writing his own story. “He has fought as hard as he can since the day he was born,” she shares, filled with pride. Kale’s fight has been nothing short of inspiring, and every day he shows more and more how strong and resilient he truly is.
Though he has spent the majority of his life in the NICU, Kale’s spirit shines through in everything he does. His face is full of expressions—each one showing a little bit more of his personality. Whether it’s a smile, a furrowed brow, or a curious look, Kale communicates more than just his needs—he communicates his strength, his will to fight, and his growing ability to connect with the world around him.
His many facial expressions are a testament to his growing personality and his determination to make the most of every moment.
For his family, Kale’s strength has been a source of both awe and inspiration. His mother, in particular, has watched her son fight through each challenge with unwavering resilience. “He’s shown us what it means to be strong,” she says, her voice filled with emotion. “Every day, he surprises us with his progress, and we couldn’t be more proud of him.” Despite the long road they’ve traveled, Kale’s family remains hopeful and determined to be there for him every step of the way, cheering him on as he continues to grow stronger.
Kale’s journey has also been a challenge for his family, as they have had to adjust to life in the NICU. The emotional toll of having a child in the hospital for so long has not been easy. Kale’s family has never been able to take him home, and that fact weighs heavily on their hearts.
But their love for him, their belief in his strength, and their hope for the future keep them going. Every visit, every milestone, and every sign of progress fills them with renewed hope that the day will come when they can finally take their little boy home.
One of the things that keeps Kale’s family going is the incredible support they’ve received from the medical team at Riley Hospital. Kale’s care team has become an extension of his family, providing not only expert medical care but also emotional support during the toughest moments.
From the nurses and doctors who work with Kale every day to the specialists who oversee his complex care, his medical team has been by his side since day one. “We’re so grateful for the team here at Riley,” says Kale’s mother. “They’ve been incredible. They’ve cared for Kale like he’s their own, and we couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to be there for him.”
Kale’s medical journey is far from over, but with each passing day, he shows his family that he’s ready to keep fighting. His progress, though slow at times, is a testament to the strength and resilience he carries within himself. His family remains hopeful that, one day soon, they will be able to take Kale home. That day—when they can finally leave Riley Hospital with their little guy—feels like a distant dream, but it’s one they hold on to with all their hearts.
For now, Kale continues to make his mark on the world from the NICU. His infectious personality, his fighting spirit, and his countless expressions bring joy to everyone around him. Though he’s faced many challenges in his young life, Kale continues to prove that he is a fighter, a little warrior who will never give up. His journey is far from over, but his story is already one of incredible strength, hope, and determination.
As Kale’s family waits for the day when they can take him home, they are filled with love and gratitude for every moment they get to spend with him. They know that the road ahead may still have challenges, but they are confident in Kale’s ability to overcome them. Every day spent with him is a reminder of how strong he is and how much love he has within him.
Way to go, Kale! You are a little fighter, and your strength and resilience inspire everyone who meets you. Keep smiling, keep fighting, and keep showing the world just how strong you are. Your story is one of hope, and we can’t wait to see all the amazing things you will do as you continue to grow and thrive. Your family is so proud of you, and we are all rooting for you every step of the way!