33^rd Annual Miracle Tournament and Celebration Dinner

Treated at Penn State Health Children's Hospital in Lancaster, PA.

When Benjamin was born a month early, medical staff realized immediately that he wasn’t crying or breathing correctly. “Everything that could be wrong with his lungs seemed to be wrong,” said Ben's mom, Danielle. He was transported by a pediatric ambulance that was funded by Children's Miracle Network Hospitals to Penn State Health Children’s Hospital, which had the highest level NICU and a high-oscillating ventilator that could save his life. Because Benjamin’s condition was so critical, a doctor explained that he may need a form of life-support called ECMO, a machine that was also purchased by Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. “I remember signing the consent for the ECMO and asking the doctor if we have to go to ECMO, and that doesn’t work, is there anything beyond that? And she said no. Knowing that we were at that point was very scary,” shared Danielle. “But he’s a strong guy. He rallied and did so well.” A few weeks later, Benjamin was able to go home, and today is a happy, healthy kid! Benjamin loves baseball, soccer and Cub Scouts. He loves trains, bridges, and building things with Legos. He also loves the Pittsburgh Steelers and got to go to Pittsburgh to attend his first game!

Thanks to donations to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, Benjamin received life-saving care with the use of a pediatric ambulance and ECMO machine, allowing him to live a healthy life.

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.

Treated at Levine Children's Hospital in Charlotte, NC.

At nine years old, Gracie found a bump below her ribs. After an ultrasound and an MRI, the doctors didn’t think the bump was cancerous, but they did a biopsy just in case. It took over two weeks to receive a final diagnosis: a rare soft tissue cancer called CIC-DUX4 sarcoma. Since there had been less than 200 reported cases to date, there was no definitive treatment plan. Over the next six months, Gracie underwent surgery, intensive chemotherapy, and IV infusions at Levine Children’s Hospital. Now in remission, 11-year-old Gracie helps other kids fighting cancer and lights up every room she enters. She returned to school as a fifth grader and is back to her favorite past time: playing soccer.

Thanks to the support of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, the Child Life program at Levine Children’s Hospital has the resources needed to give kids like Gracie the best and most comfortable care.