Our Story
Charlie Polizzi’s Warrior of the Angels Foundation
Charlie Polizzi’s Warrior of the Angels Foundation was created in honor of Charlie Polizzi, a beloved son whose life continues to inspire awareness, advocacy, and hope for families affected by Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH). The foundation was established by Charlie’s parents, Kristin and Tom Polizzi, after losing their miracle baby boy to this devastating birth defect in 2018.
Today, the organization is dedicated to raising awareness for CDH, supporting families experiencing infant loss, funding research to improve survival rates and quality of life, and providing emotional support through our Soothing Hearts Program in partnership with Albany Medical Center NICU.
Why the Foundation Was Created
Charlie Polizzi’s Warrior of the Angels Foundation was founded in 2019 to turn unimaginable grief into purpose and action. The organization’s mission is to create greater awareness of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia while helping improve outcomes for future babies diagnosed with CDH.
The foundation works to:
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Raise awareness about CDH and infant loss
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Support and fund research focused on improved treatments and survival rates
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Provide educational resources for families navigating a CDH diagnosis
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Offer emotional support for families experiencing infant loss
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Support families in the Albany Medical Center NICU through the Soothing Hearts Program
Charlie may no longer be physically here, but his impact continues to grow through every family supported, every awareness event held, and every step taken toward improving the future for children diagnosed with CDH.
Charlie's Journey
After years of infertility struggles and IVF treatments, Kristin and Tom were overjoyed to learn they were expecting Charlie. Throughout the pregnancy, Charlie appeared healthy and active. However, during a routine 20 week anatomy scan in December 2017, their world changed forever when they were told their unborn son had Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia, commonly known as CDH.
CDH is a rare birth defect in which a hole in the diaphragm allows organs such as the stomach, liver, and intestines to move into the chest cavity, preventing the lungs from developing properly. Approximately 1,600 babies are diagnosed with CDH in the United States every year, and overall survival rates remain around 50%.
Initially, Charlie’s condition appeared mild. But after traveling to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) for additional testing, his diagnosis became much more severe. Doctors discovered that much of his abdominal organs, including his liver, had shifted into his chest cavity, leaving him with severely underdeveloped lungs and a difficult road ahead.
Kristin and Tom prepared for months of treatment and even planned to relocate to Philadelphia so Charlie could receive specialized care. Throughout every appointment, procedure, and uncertainty, Charlie continued to fight. His strength inspired everyone around him.
Saying Hello and Goodbye at the Same Time
At just 30 weeks pregnant, Kristin unexpectedly went into labor. Despite efforts to transfer her to CHOP, Charlie was born prematurely via emergency c-section on February 19, 2018.
Charlie lived for only a short time, but in those moments he forever changed the lives of his family and everyone who has heard his story. Kristin was able to hold and kiss her son before he gained his angel wings. His lungs and heart were simply too small to sustain him.
No parent should ever have to say hello and goodbye to their child at the same time. Charlie’s story is the reason this foundation exists today.
