33^rd Annual Miracle Tournament and Celebration Dinner

Treated at University of Michigan Health at Sparrow Children's Center in Lansing, MI.

At 17 weeks pregnant, Ryan’s mom, Becky, was diagnosed with a subchorionic hematoma. Soon after, Becky was placed on bedrest for 6 weeks until Ryan was born via an emergency C-section at 23 weeks.

Ryan weighed one pound seven ounces at birth. In the University of Michigan Health at Sparrow Children’s Center’s Regional Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (RNICU), he was supported by a team of neonatologists, nurse practitioners, nurses, respiratory therapists, phlebotomists, and many others. Ryan’s time in the NICU was marked by underdeveloped lungs and bronchopulmonary dysplasia, multiple infections, intraventricular hemorrhages, necrotizing enterocolitis, and advanced retinopathy of prematurity.

After discharge, Ryan required regular follow-up appointments with many subspecialists, therapists, medical equipment providers, and others. He was readmitted that first year into the pediatric intensive care unit for breathing difficulties, and additional surgery.

Today, Ryan is a 14-year-old who exemplifies perseverance. He loves to build things, ride his bike and hoverboard, and play in the band!

Thanks to donations to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, Ryan had access to a team of lifesaving specialists in the neonatal intensive care unit after being 17 weeks prematurely.

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.

Treated at Corewell Health Children's in Detroit, MI.

Ages 12 & 10

Braylen was born weighing two pounds and one ounce. Since he was a premature baby, by the time he turned three, he was diagnosed with severe receptive and expressive language delay. His communication difficulties made it hard for him to connect with his peers. Braylen began receiving speech therapy through Corewell Health Children’s and was enrolled in the RE/MAX Communication Preschool Program to learn in a school-based environment where children are free of judgment. Through various therapies and the preschool curriculum, Braylen gradually began finding his voice and expanding his ability to connect with others. His mom says, “the greatest joy is that he is now able to better communicate not only with family but his peers. Each step forward, no matter how small, is a testament to his determination and unwavering spirit.”

Donations to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals helped Braylen receive the therapy he needed to communicate with his peers and family.

Rylee lights up a room with her radiant energy. At four years old, she was diagnosed with severe mixed receptive and expressive language disorder and started receiving speech services at Corewell Health Children’s RE/MAX Communication Preschool Program. Despite her struggles with language, Rylee’s intelligence shines through. With the support of her family, speech therapists, preschool educators, and her Corewell Health Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals team, Rylee made remarkable strides in overcoming the challenges posed by her language disorder. Today, Rylee’s keen sense of creativity and ability to think outside the box matches her determination and strong spirit. She understands firsthand the frustrations of struggling to be heard and understood, and thus, she has become a fierce advocate not only for her own needs but for others as well.

Thanks to donations to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, Rylee is able to use her words to communicate and advocate for others with shared experiences.