33^rd Annual Miracle Tournament and Celebration Dinner

Treated at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago in Chicago, IL.

When Aidan was seven years old, his parents began to worry as they noticed changes in his energy levels, and regular activities like family bike rides became more and more tiring for him. At his annual doctor’s appointment, his doctor noted that he had grown just one inch in the last year, and after running some tests, his parents turned to Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. Aidan was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease. Aidan and his parents met with members of the pediatric nephrology team, who helped Aidan understand his condition in an age-appropriate way and included him in conversations at each appointment. Aidan’s condition progressed quickly, and five months later, Aidan went on the transplant list. After confirming that she was a match, his mom made the selfless decision to donate one of her kidneys to Aidan, and they underwent surgery four months later. Through this process, Aidan found comfort through the Lurie Children’s PeerWISE program, which connects current patients with patients who were once in their shoes. Since his kidney transplant, Aidan has continued growing and meeting his milestones. He enjoys playing golf and video games and loves reading and recommending books to his family members.

Thanks to donations to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, Aidan received a lifesaving kidney transplant from Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago.

Treated at Children's National Hospital in Washington, D.C..

Mason was 12 weeks old when he had open heart surgery at Children’s National Hospital to repair his rare congenital heart condition: Tetralogy of Fallot. Before the surgery, his doctor made a crucial discovery—Mason had only one coronary artery and it was not in the right place—an additional congenital abnormality. While Mason’s care team didn’t know exactly what was to come, his Child Life specialist and Housing & Amenities Coordinator did an amazing job supporting his family during this uncertain time. Little details meant so much to his family, like bringing clothing to Mason’s mom during her stay, explaining things to his seven-year-old sister, and helping his grandparents travel to the hospital from Alabama. Mason is now 13 years old and has had a few surgeries since his initial procedure, and still remains connected to the hospital that saved his life. He loves playing video games, playing the saxophone and piano, making music, DJing and spending time with his family.

Thanks to donations to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, Mason had access to critical cardiac care to repair his heart condition, helping him lead a happy and healthy life.

Treated at Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare in St. Paul, MN.

Twelve-year-old ZaLayaa has experienced a variety of sensory and complex medical conditions since she was an infant. Her symptoms have impacted her daily life, and to this day, their underlying cause remains a mystery. Over the years, her family has actively sought answers from doctors, heard different theories, and tried numerous treatments. Once they made it to Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare, her mom says “that made a world of difference.” Gillette’s medical team brought a new approach to ZaLayaa’s care. Rather than focusing on solving the puzzle of her diagnosis, her care team addresses the real-life issues ZaLayaa was facing every day. Now, she sees more than 25 different providers at Gillette, receiving comprehensive evaluations with pediatric medicine and rehabilitation specialists, along with numerous physical and occupational therapy appointments. Gillette’s therapeutic recreation specialists have allowed her to enjoy an accessible playground and an adaptive bicycle. She has been waterskiing, run from third base to home plate at a Minnesota Twins game, and impressed fellow golfers with her swing on the course.

The support of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals has allowed ZaLayaa to reach new milestones on her health journey with innovative complex care teams and Therapeutic Recreation.