33^rd Annual Miracle Tournament and Celebration Dinner

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.

Treated at Children's Health Foundation in Oklahoma City, OK.

At a routine 18-week ultrasound, Connor was diagnosed with the most severe form of spina bifida and hydrocephalus. His family met with the neurosurgery team at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital in Oklahoma City to learn how to prepare for Connor’s care after birth. He was born at 36 weeks and was immediately taken to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), where he stayed for 10 days. His first surgery was at two days old to close the hole in his back to protect his exposed spinal cord. Then, three days later he had brain surgery to place a shunt to drain the fluid in his brain (hydrocephalus). Just before he turned two, he began having long, life-threatening seizures. The seizures have caused Connor to have speech and cognitive delays. Connor receives occupational, physical and speech therapies to help with his development. Over the last 12 years, Connor has had 26 surgeries. Connor has paralysis in his lower half and has required multiple orthopedic surgeries in the last few years to correct his scoliosis, hip dysplasia, and some broken bones caused by low bone density. He loves watching sports, swimming, and watching his big sister dance. He enjoys playing adaptive baseball and attending Wheelie Club, an all-abilities club of varying activities.

Donations to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals helped Connor receive life-saving care in the NICU and through his numerous surgeries.

Treated at Maria Fareri Children's Hospital in Hudson Valley, NY.

Camryn was diagnosed with Sickle Cell disease three weeks after birth. For most of her life, her disease had been managed. Four years ago, Camryn was diagnosed with Moyamoya disease (a narrowing of blood vessels in the brain). Her sickled blood cells would only complicate this condition. Camryn was in need of a stem cell transplant and her oldest sister, Skylar, was selected as her donor. Camryn was admitted to Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital and Skylar’s stem cells were harvested and transplanted into Camryn. It was inspiring for her family to witness this life-saving exchange among sisters! Camryn was hospitalized for 88 days and she found solace in the extraordinary care, and encouragement she received before, during and after her transplant. Today Camryn is feeling great and is an incredible advocate for the care she received at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital.

Thanks to donations to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, Camryn received care and support as she underwent a stem cell transplant at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital.