33^rd Annual Miracle Tournament and Celebration Dinner

Treated at Seattle Children's Hospital in Seattle, WA.

Aisley’s parents took their 3-year-old daughter to her pediatrician when she began experiencing frequent headaches and vomiting, was especially tired and was eating less than usual. Aisley’s pediatrician referred her to Seattle Children’s, where an MRI revealed a life-threatening tumor that was pushing her brain to one side. She needed to go to the intensive care unit immediately, and then undergo emergency brain surgery. Aisley’s parents were stunned. Three days later, Aisley had a six-hour surgery to remove and biopsy her tumor. To pinpoint her exact diagnosis, pathologists used molecular testing - a type of precision medicine testing that was launched just a few years prior. The results showed Aisley had a rare and aggressive brain cancer. Her treatment included six months of chemotherapy, then six weeks of radiation to remove any remaining cancer cells. Her radiation oncology team significantly reduced the risk of damage to Aisley’s brain by using proton therapy to protect areas critical for language, memory and learning. Aisley completed her treatment one year later and continues to have MRI scans every six months – she remains cancer-free today. Thanks to generous donors to the Uncompensated Care Fund, the ongoing costs of the hearing aids Aisley needs are covered. Today, Aisley is an active 7-year-old on a competitive dance team. She loves doing cartwheels, swimming and playing with her sister, Elin.

Thanks to donations to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, Aisley had access to innovative cancer care at Seattle Children’s on her way to remission.

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 UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, PA.

Isabelle (Belle) was adopted from China when she was 19 months old. Her parents knew she had a potentially devastating blood disorder called thalassemia, but they were comforted that a top ten children’s hospital would be waiting for them when they got home. Doctors at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh began treatment right away. Since she had beta thalassemia major, the most severe form of thalassemia, Belle had a mediport placed and began a routine of ongoing blood transfusions. To mitigate the risk of an iron overload, which could affect her liver and heart, she takes two medications every morning and every evening. Today, Belle is a happy 12-year-old who loves her hospital days because she gets to bring her two favorite stuffed animals, play Uno, and do arts and crafts with her favorite Child Life specialists. She loves having sushi for lunch in the hospital cafeteria. Belle is a cheerleader and a runner. She has joined band and choir at school.

On the days Belle returns to the hospital, the services provided through Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals help her spend time creatively.