33^rd Annual Miracle Tournament and Celebration Dinner

Treated at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia in Philadelphia, PA.

Porter was born with Down syndrome at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), where the care team helped his family understand the medical, cognitive, and social complexities to ensure he could have the best quality of life. From the beginning, specialists provided education through their Trisomy 21 Symposiums, which helped Porter’s family build a support network of other families going through similar experiences. During the medical procedures and hospitalizations for respiratory illnesses, Porter’s family was grateful for the opportunity to participate in a few clinical trials through CHOP, helping to build a body of research that will pave a positive future for other individuals with intellectual disabilities. “Porter is thriving today because we’ve got a team that sees him as a person with a bright future,” his mom says, adding that “the team at CHOP has always been by our side.” Now 12 years old, Porter plays drums in the school band. He loves horseback riding, baseball, Tae Kwon Do, and Special Olympics swimming.

Thanks to the support of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, Porter and his family received incredible care and support, including music and art therapy.

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 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.