33^rd Annual Miracle Tournament and Celebration Dinner

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.

Treated at Duke Children's in Durham, NC.

At 18 weeks pregnant with twins, Stephanie learned something was wrong. Braeden, “Baby B,” was diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, one of the most severe congenital heart defects. The prognosis was unclear. After researching options, Braeden’s parents chose to go with Duke Children’s, where he could receive the outpatient care he needed close to home. In advance of his birth, the staff gave them a tour of the facilities and set up meetings with their surgeon to ask questions. Over the next couple of years, Braeden returned to Duke Children’s for heart catheters and two more big surgeries, and his parents found comfort in nurses and doctors who truly cared. The medical teams continue to find innovative ways to treat hypoplastic left heart syndrome so more kids like Braeden can live their lives to the fullest. Now Braeden is nine years old and his sense of humor makes everyone around him smile.

Thanks to the support of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, Braeden received world- class medical care close to home at Duke Children’s.

Treated at Hasbro Children's Hospital in Providence, RI/New Bedford, MA.

At 18 weeks gestation, London’s parents wanted to find out their baby’s gender. A high-level ultrasound soon confirmed that their baby was a girl--and that she would be born with spina bifida. Her parents did everything they could to learn about the diagnosis in preparation. Dr. Petra Klinge, a neurosurgeon at Hasbro Children’s Hospital, not only reassured them, but she also gave them hope. The day after London was born, Dr. Klinge performed an intricate eight-hour surgery to close the skin and spinal cord on the tiny newborn’s spine. When London was still not walking at 18 months, early intervention specialists advised her parents to consider leg braces and a walker, but instead they turned to Hasbro’s Pediatric Rehabilitation team and continued physical therapy. Just after turning two years old, London got up and walked across the room for the first time on her own. Now nine years old, London loves to dance and play soccer, and she is training for a Black Belt. She continues to amaze everyone with her vibrant smile and personality.

Donations to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals helped London get the support of her local pediatric rehabilitation program.