33^rd Annual Miracle Tournament and Celebration Dinner

Treated at West Virginia University Children’s in Morgantown, WV.

Addison was eight years old when she had a rapid onset of seizures, which were misdiagnosed as panic attacks. Doctors encouraged her family to take their already scheduled vacation, but after arriving in South Carolina, her episodes increased in intensity and frequency. When her mom took her to the nearest emergency department, she was told it would be a thirteen-hour wait. Addison’s eyes were dilated and her hands and legs were shaking; her mother wondered if her daughter was having seizures and pleaded for a doctor to admit her daughter. After countless tests and doctors’ visits, neurologists diagnosed her with cortical dysplasia to the frontal lobe, which is a congenital abnormality of brain development that can cause irretractable epilepsy. Addison underwent a craniotomy with right frontal lobe resection and a few weeks later, she needed a spinal tap to drain the excess fluid from her brain due to a cerebrospinal fluid leak. Today, although on medication and still having seizures, Addison exudes strength and wisdom far beyond her years. When she grows up, Addison wants to become a Child Life specialist.

Donations to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals provides life-saving care and essential programs that support Addison and her family during her treatments.

Treated at Cook Children's Medical Center in Fort Worth, TX.

Less than two weeks after Molly started experiencing numbness in her face, she was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma, a type of cancer that forms in bone or soft tissue. Molly underwent brain surgery to remove the tumor and has recently finished chemotherapy. Molly’s dad said that while he could never have imagined hearing the word cancer, he finds comfort in knowing how much the hospital staff cares for his daughter. “Cook Children’s is a big part of this new life that we have to live while we get through this season,” he said. “It’s not just us fighting this fight. While the journey hasn’t been easy, Molly has worked to express any fears and concerns with the support of Child Life specialists.”

Donations to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals helps families like Molly’s with support during her hospital stays and preparation for care at home.

Treated at Boston Children’s Hospital in Boston, MA.

The joy of Kennedy’s birth changed to fear when she stopped feeding and her oxygen levels dropped. After six weeks with no answers at a local hospital, Kennedy’s parents drove 90 minutes to Boston Children’s Hospital, where extensive testing revealed Kennedy had a rare condition where her weak trachea could collapse to block the airway, making it hard to breathe. Her doctor explained that Kennedy needed a tracheotomy to keep her airway stable. After 136 days at Boston Children’s, nine-month-old Kennedy was able to go home. The care team helped the family understand how to access benefits for children with complex medical needs, including the care of an at-home nurse. Six years later, Kennedy visits Boston Children’s for check-ups and is making great progress, working toward being able to walk on her own. Kennedy is a proud big sister and loves music and seeing her friends at school.

Donations to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals supported Kennedy over her 136 days of care with Child Life Specialists, music therapy, and visits from therapy dogs.