33^rd Annual Miracle Tournament and Celebration Dinner

Treated at Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare in St. Paul, MN.

Twelve-year-old ZaLayaa has experienced a variety of sensory and complex medical conditions since she was an infant. Her symptoms have impacted her daily life, and to this day, their underlying cause remains a mystery. Over the years, her family has actively sought answers from doctors, heard different theories, and tried numerous treatments. Once they made it to Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare, her mom says “that made a world of difference.” Gillette’s medical team brought a new approach to ZaLayaa’s care. Rather than focusing on solving the puzzle of her diagnosis, her care team addresses the real-life issues ZaLayaa was facing every day. Now, she sees more than 25 different providers at Gillette, receiving comprehensive evaluations with pediatric medicine and rehabilitation specialists, along with numerous physical and occupational therapy appointments. Gillette’s therapeutic recreation specialists have allowed her to enjoy an accessible playground and an adaptive bicycle. She has been waterskiing, run from third base to home plate at a Minnesota Twins game, and impressed fellow golfers with her swing on the course.

The support of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals has allowed ZaLayaa to reach new milestones on her health journey with innovative complex care teams and Therapeutic Recreation.

Treated at UNM Children’s Hospital in Albuquerque, NM.

Natalie’s cancer journey began at the age of ten when her mom noticed her daughter’s visual impairment. She was diagnosed with an Optic Pathway Glioma, a type of cancer that is difficult to treat and can also affect the pituitary gland. After two chemotherapy sessions, the tumor had completely disappeared, and her family rejoiced. She continued chemotherapy for another year as neurologists monitored Natalie.

A few months later, an MRI identified an area of concern and a biopsy confirmed Anaplastic Astrocytoma, a different, more aggressive brain tumor. She immediately and courageously began treatment again, including 30 rounds of proton therapy radiation and 42 rounds of oral chemotherapy.

Although her treatment worked, she was left with hemiparesis, the weakness of her right side weakness, which required two years in physical and occupational therapy. Recently, an MRI detected a new area of concern, this time, in Natalie’s brain stem. To get a biopsy, Natalie needed major surgery to access the tumor through her cerebellum. Doctors found a Germinoma tumor and her family was relieved to learn that the condition is very treatable. Now, Natalie is bravely facing months of chemotherapy again at UNM Children’s Hospital.

Donations to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals benefited Natalie’s highly tailored care throughout her journey.

Treated at Bernard & Millie Duker Children's Hospital at Albany Medical Center in Albany, NY.

During Joseph’s newborn screening, a blood test flagged a rate metabolic genetic disorder, called galactosemia. Galactosemia prevents the body from breaking down the sugar galactose, causing it to build up in the blood and wreak havoc on organs. While waiting for further test results, Joseph was admitted to the emergency room with a fever, and at that point had become septic, which eventually resulted in meningitis. Doctors prescribed him strong antibiotics, which was lifesaving, but unfortunately caused unilateral hearing loss.

Because of galactosemia, Joseph must adhere to a strict diet. There currently is no treatment or cure for galactosemia, only dietary restrictions. His family has become creative chefs, finding new recipes and workarounds to meet Joseph’s dietary needs.

Today, Joseph is 12 years old. He enjoys soccer, swimming, riding his bike, and playing fortnight. Last year, Joseph obtained his black belt in taekwondo.

Donations to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals help patients and families like Joseph’s receive ongoing, specialized care.