33^rd Annual Miracle Tournament and Celebration Dinner

Treated at Kentucky Children’s Hospital in Lexington, KY.

At ?rst, eight-year-old Lucy’s parents thought she’d caught strep throat, or maybe the ?u. But as her symptoms progressed to a high fever and an upset stomach over the course of the week, they realized their daughter was dealing with something worse. Lucy’s pediatrician tested her for something called Multisystem In?ammatory Syndrome in Children, or MIS-C: a rare syndrome associated with COVID. “We were just ruling it out” was the mindset behind running blood work that led to Lucy’s diagnosis. “[Our pediatrician] said, ‘We’ve already called ahead to Kentucky Children’s Hospital, and they have a room for you. You need to go immediately.’” MIS-C can lead to major in?ammation of the organ systems, skin, and brain, and most children with the condition arrive at the hospital in bad shape. When Lucy was admitted, her blood pressure was low and her heart was beating way too fast. Lucy’s doctors and her parents quickly made the decision to transfer her to Kentucky Children’s Hospital’s pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). After several days in the PICU, Lucy’s condition began to improve. Soon she was discharged to recover fully at home. Lucy’s family is deeply grateful to the medical professionals at Kentucky Children’s Hospital for ensuring their story has a happy, healthy ending.

Thanks to donations to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, Lucy had access to lifesaving care at Kentucky Children’s as she recovered from MIS-C.

Treated at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, PA.

Isabelle (Belle) was adopted from China when she was 19 months old. Her parents knew she had a potentially devastating blood disorder called thalassemia, but they were comforted that a top ten children’s hospital would be waiting for them when they got home. Doctors at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh began treatment right away. Since she had beta thalassemia major, the most severe form of thalassemia, Belle had a mediport placed and began a routine of ongoing blood transfusions. To mitigate the risk of an iron overload, which could affect her liver and heart, she takes two medications every morning and every evening. Today, Belle is a happy 12-year-old who loves her hospital days because she gets to bring her two favorite stuffed animals, play Uno, and do arts and crafts with her favorite Child Life specialists. She loves having sushi for lunch in the hospital cafeteria. Belle is a cheerleader and a runner. She has joined band and choir at school.

On the days Belle returns to the hospital, the services provided through Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals help her spend time creatively.

Treated at Boston Children’s Hospital in Boston, MA.

The joy of Kennedy’s birth changed to fear when she stopped feeding and her oxygen levels dropped. After six weeks with no answers at a local hospital, Kennedy’s parents drove 90 minutes to Boston Children’s Hospital, where extensive testing revealed Kennedy had a rare condition where her weak trachea could collapse to block the airway, making it hard to breathe. Her doctor explained that Kennedy needed a tracheotomy to keep her airway stable. After 136 days at Boston Children’s, nine-month-old Kennedy was able to go home. The care team helped the family understand how to access benefits for children with complex medical needs, including the care of an at-home nurse. Six years later, Kennedy visits Boston Children’s for check-ups and is making great progress, working toward being able to walk on her own. Kennedy is a proud big sister and loves music and seeing her friends at school.

Donations to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals supported Kennedy over her 136 days of care with Child Life Specialists, music therapy, and visits from therapy dogs.