‘Sweet Baby James’ released from hospital, returns home to Coachella Valley

A local baby born with a rare-genetic disorder that left his abdominal organs exposed and caused him to develop a split pelvis and tethered spine is back home with his family in the Coachella Valley.

James’ father, Mike Meredith, told KESQ News Channel 3 and CBS Local 2’s Katie Widner that his son was released from the hospital Saturday, after spending three weeks as a patient at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital.

After undergoing a 15-hour surgery on Jan. 29 with a team of surgeons from around the world, James contracted the corona virus that required him to be quarantined.

James will be in a full body cast for several weeks, and will undergo another major surgery to repair his spine later this year. The family said they need all the help they can get to care for him at home. A YouCaring page has been set up to help with medical supplies and travel expenses to doctors appointments.

Watch our original report on Sweet Baby James here.