Children's Miracle Network Hospitals^®

Treated at Johns Hopkins Children's Center in Baltimore, MD.

Before Emerson (Emme) was born at 25 weeks, she and her twin sister, Elle, were given a 10-15% chance of survival. At Johns Hopkins Children’s Center, Emme had her first brain surgery at 21 days old. She was diagnosed with hydrocephalus, cerebral palsy, and epilepsy, and she recently underwent seven brain surgeries including a right lobe hemispherectomy to help with seizures and motor function. Despite her long, tough journey, Emme continues to conquer every challenge that comes her way. She has found comfort in the music therapy program, where loves singing the Beluga song with her music therapist.

Donations to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals fund the music therapy program that offers Emme comfort throughout her medical journey.

Elle was born prematurely at 25 weeks gestation, with a brain bleed that caused hydrocephalus, a neurological disorder caused by an abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the cavities of her brain. Elle and her twin sister, Emme, were both given a 10-15% chance of survival. Elle spent 106 days in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) with her sister. Elle benefited from the power of play by working closely with Child Life specialists and she loved the special NICU teddy bears, the mobiles, and the play pads. Today, Elle loves dancing, playing, and being her sister Emme’s number one supporter.

Donations to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals supported Elle and her family by generously covering the treatment not covered by insurance.

Treated at Driscoll Children's Hospital in Corpus Christi, TX.

Paislie lights up the room with her bright smile and big energy, but there was a time when things weren’t so bright in her life. After searching for answers to explain the sudden loss of movement in her leg, Paislie was diagnosed was acute lymphoblastic leukemia. At four years old, Driscoll Children’s Hospital became ‘home’ for Paislie and her family. She began an intense chemotherapy regimen while celebrating her birthday and the holidays in the hospital. As with any child with cancer, Paislie experienced several highs and lows throughout her treatment and even came close to losing a kidney. Thankfully doctors at Driscoll were able to able to provide her with the lifesaving care she needed to not only treat her cancer but also to save her kidney and send her on a path to creating more milestones. Paislie rang the bell to mark her last chemotherapy treatment at six years old. She continues to receive follow-up care at Driscoll’s Cancer and Blood Disorder Center, and her prognosis is good. Today, Paislie is back to doing what she loves – riding horses, cheerleading, and spending time with friends and family.

Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals helps fund important hospital programs such as Child Life, where specialists make sure kids like Paislie are comfortable, entertained, and at ease before procedures.

Treated at Baylor Scott & White McLane Children's Medical Center in Waco, TX.

Identical twins Audrey and Ella were born nine weeks premature, and each weighed two pounds. They spent several weeks in the neonatal intensive care unit at Baylor Scott & White McLane Children’s Hospital. Despite their early arrival, the twins were healthy, and their early interventions were very minimal. However, when they were one year old, a routine doctor’s visit led to a referral to a plastic surgeon at McLane’s Children’s Hospital who found both of their skulls were developing in a triangular shape. This condition, Metopic Craniosynostosis, happens when the bone plates that make up the skull fuse too early and can lead to vision, learning and behavioral issues. Audrey and Ella required a Cranial Vault reconstruction/reconstructive surgery at 17 months old. After their ten-hour procedure, the doctors confirmed that they did not need any additional surgery. Today, the twins are six-years old and are growing and thriving. With their scars hidden beneath their hairline, you would never know of their condition.

Donations to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals helped to purchase the equipment used for Audrey and Ella’s Craniosynostosis Cranial Vault reconstruction/reconstructive surgery.