33^rd Annual Miracle Tournament and Celebration Dinner

Treated at Levine Children's Hospital in Charlotte, NC.

At nine years old, Gracie found a bump below her ribs. After an ultrasound and an MRI, the doctors didn’t think the bump was cancerous, but they did a biopsy just in case. It took over two weeks to receive a final diagnosis: a rare soft tissue cancer called CIC-DUX4 sarcoma. Since there had been less than 200 reported cases to date, there was no definitive treatment plan. Over the next six months, Gracie underwent surgery, intensive chemotherapy, and IV infusions at Levine Children’s Hospital. Now in remission, 11-year-old Gracie helps other kids fighting cancer and lights up every room she enters. She returned to school as a fifth grader and is back to her favorite past time: playing soccer.

Thanks to the support of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, the Child Life program at Levine Children’s Hospital has the resources needed to give kids like Gracie the best and most comfortable care.

Treated at Children's Hospital Los Angeles in Los Angeles, CA.

Melody was born with a rare congenital condition where string-like bands of tissue wrap around fingers and toes. Amniotic band syndrome is non-preventable and affects one in 15,000 births annually. Melody faced her condition with grace and her family was referred to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, where she has received comprehensive support. To date, Melody has had four surgical procedures to separate her fingers and remove excess skin to improve her hands’ functionality. Today, Melody proudly tells people about her unique hands. She loves doing art and celebrates her uniqueness.

Thanks to support from Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, Melody has received access to donor-funded programs, providing a lifeline of support for the areas of greatest need in children’s health care.

Treated at Children's Health Foundation in Oklahoma City, OK.

At a routine 18-week ultrasound, Connor was diagnosed with the most severe form of spina bifida and hydrocephalus. His family met with the neurosurgery team at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital in Oklahoma City to learn how to prepare for Connor’s care after birth. He was born at 36 weeks and was immediately taken to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), where he stayed for 10 days. His first surgery was at two days old to close the hole in his back to protect his exposed spinal cord. Then, three days later he had brain surgery to place a shunt to drain the fluid in his brain (hydrocephalus). Just before he turned two, he began having long, life-threatening seizures. The seizures have caused Connor to have speech and cognitive delays. Connor receives occupational, physical and speech therapies to help with his development. Over the last 12 years, Connor has had 26 surgeries. Connor has paralysis in his lower half and has required multiple orthopedic surgeries in the last few years to correct his scoliosis, hip dysplasia, and some broken bones caused by low bone density. He loves watching sports, swimming, and watching his big sister dance. He enjoys playing adaptive baseball and attending Wheelie Club, an all-abilities club of varying activities.

Donations to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals helped Connor receive life-saving care in the NICU and through his numerous surgeries.