33^rd Annual Miracle Tournament and Celebration Dinner

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.

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 Medical University South Carolina Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital in Charleston, SC.

At 48 hours old, Vinny was diagnosed with Hirschsprung's disease, a gastrointestinal disorder that affects the body’s ability to eliminate stool. Under the care of the team at MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital, Vinny underwent a 4.5-hour lifesaving surgery.

Vinny spent one month in the hospital recovering. Despite the hurdles associated with his condition, he defied the odds and blossomed into a healthy, vibrant kid. The compassionate care he received from MUSC staff played a pivotal role in Vinny's remarkable recovery and ongoing well-being. Vinny received follow-up care from special teams at MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital and has not required a return visit since he was ten.

Now 12 years old and in the sixth grade, Vinny is a lover of sports, and can often be found on the tennis court, hanging out with his two sisters, or surfing. His true passion is playing soccer. Last year, he was selected and traveled to Madrid, Spain, to compete in the Real Madrid World Challenge tournament!

Thanks to donations to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, Vinny had access to specialized care and world-class surgeons at MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital.