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 Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters in Norfolk, VA.

At 11 years old, Sam’s parents noticed that something wasn’t quite right. The energetic, competitive tennis player said he felt tired all the time and was often cold, his appetite disappeared and he lost some weight. His pediatrician ordered bloodwork and a few hours later, called the family and asked them to bring Sam immediately to the emergency department at Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters (CHKD). Sam was diagnosed with T-cell leukemia and had a mass in his lungs, close to his heart. Sam was admitted to CHKD and immediately started treatment. A week later, his mass was barely visible. Although he was discharged, Sam returned to CHKD several more times over the next year for additional treatment. During his nine hospital stays, Sam realized how fortunate he was to have his mom and dad with him every step of the way. He decided that when his cancer treatment was over, he wanted to help other families by fundraising for CHKD. Two years after his initial trip to the emergency department, Sam was in remission and had raised more than $100,000 to help families with a child in the hospital. Today, Sam is back in school and focused on getting stronger. His family says they are incredibly thankful for Sam’s recovery, the staff at CHKD, and everyone who has donated to help CHKD patients and families.

Thanks to donations to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, Sam received quick, lifesaving treatment for his T-cell leukemia and is a strong, healthy 15-year-old.

Treated at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Toledo, OH.

Two weeks before Myla’s sixth birthday she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Myla’s diagnoses came during the COVID-19 pandemic, therefore, Myla’s dad had to wait out in the van while they remained in the emergency room. It was through a video call that he heard the words “your child has cancer.” Myla initially spent ten days in the hospital where she had surgery to have her port placed, receive her first few rounds of chemotherapy, and many blood transfusions. After her release from the hospital, Myla began experiencing severe neuropathy. She had difficulty walking, using her hands, and her vocal cords were becoming paralyzed. Myla tested positive for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT). Two weeks later, she was sent home with many mobility and occupational therapy devices to help her regain her independence.

Today, Myla is nine and has returned to things she loved to do before her diagnosis- like riding a bike, doing ballet, and going to school. Myla keeps a smile on her face and takes things one day at a time!

Thanks to donations to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, Myla had access to the therapies, specialists, and equipment that helped her overcome leukemia and get back to all her favorite activities.