33^rd Annual Miracle Tournament and Celebration Dinner

Treated at St. Rose Dominican Hospital in Las Vegas, NV.

Sixteen years ago, Colbie and Kenna’s parents were excitedly expecting their first children, twin girls. Everything was routine until their mother noticed some discomfort and headed to the hospital. Staff at St. Rose Dominican Hospital quickly determined that something wasn’t right. At 23 weeks and 3 days pregnant, she was slowly leaking amniotic fluid. After doing everything medically possible to delay the birth, the girls were born 15 weeks early. Colbie weighed just 1lb 6oz and Kenna weighed 1lb 5oz. The girls were in the neonatal intensive care unit for 113 days. They each faced their own struggles and were still on oxygen, but one week after their original due date, they were finally able to go home. They continued to grow and develop without any major delays. Today the girls are doing better than ever. Kenna plays competitive soccer and is on the varsity track team. Colbie is part of the National Honors Society and plays the electric guitar. Both girls volunteer for the Unified Special Olympics through their school district.

Thanks to donations to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, Colbie and Kenna had access to lifesaving care in the neonatal intensive care unit after being born 15 weeks prematurely.

Treated at UNM Children’s Hospital in Albuquerque, NM.

Natalie’s cancer journey began at the age of ten when her mom noticed her daughter’s visual impairment. She was diagnosed with an Optic Pathway Glioma, a type of cancer that is difficult to treat and can also affect the pituitary gland. After two chemotherapy sessions, the tumor had completely disappeared, and her family rejoiced. She continued chemotherapy for another year as neurologists monitored Natalie.

A few months later, an MRI identified an area of concern and a biopsy confirmed Anaplastic Astrocytoma, a different, more aggressive brain tumor. She immediately and courageously began treatment again, including 30 rounds of proton therapy radiation and 42 rounds of oral chemotherapy.

Although her treatment worked, she was left with hemiparesis, the weakness of her right side weakness, which required two years in physical and occupational therapy. Recently, an MRI detected a new area of concern, this time, in Natalie’s brain stem. To get a biopsy, Natalie needed major surgery to access the tumor through her cerebellum. Doctors found a Germinoma tumor and her family was relieved to learn that the condition is very treatable. Now, Natalie is bravely facing months of chemotherapy again at UNM Children’s Hospital.

Donations to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals benefited Natalie’s highly tailored care throughout her journey.

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.