About the Course

Treated at West Virginia University Children’s in Morgantown, WV.

Addison was eight years old when she had a rapid onset of seizures, which were misdiagnosed as panic attacks. Doctors encouraged her family to take their already scheduled vacation, but after arriving in South Carolina, her episodes increased in intensity and frequency. When her mom took her to the nearest emergency department, she was told it would be a thirteen-hour wait. Addison’s eyes were dilated and her hands and legs were shaking; her mother wondered if her daughter was having seizures and pleaded for a doctor to admit her daughter. After countless tests and doctors’ visits, neurologists diagnosed her with cortical dysplasia to the frontal lobe, which is a congenital abnormality of brain development that can cause irretractable epilepsy. Addison underwent a craniotomy with right frontal lobe resection and a few weeks later, she needed a spinal tap to drain the excess fluid from her brain due to a cerebrospinal fluid leak. Today, although on medication and still having seizures, Addison exudes strength and wisdom far beyond her years. When she grows up, Addison wants to become a Child Life specialist.

Donations to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals provides life-saving care and essential programs that support Addison and her family during her treatments.

Treated at Medical University South Carolina Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital in Charleston, SC.

At 48 hours old, Vinny was diagnosed with Hirschsprung's disease, a gastrointestinal disorder that affects the body’s ability to eliminate stool. Under the care of the team at MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital, Vinny underwent a 4.5-hour lifesaving surgery.

Vinny spent one month in the hospital recovering. Despite the hurdles associated with his condition, he defied the odds and blossomed into a healthy, vibrant kid. The compassionate care he received from MUSC staff played a pivotal role in Vinny's remarkable recovery and ongoing well-being. Vinny received follow-up care from special teams at MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital and has not required a return visit since he was ten.

Now 12 years old and in the sixth grade, Vinny is a lover of sports, and can often be found on the tennis court, hanging out with his two sisters, or surfing. His true passion is playing soccer. Last year, he was selected and traveled to Madrid, Spain, to compete in the Real Madrid World Challenge tournament!

Thanks to donations to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, Vinny had access to specialized care and world-class surgeons at MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital.

Treated at Children's Hospital Los Angeles in Los Angeles, CA.

Melody was born with a rare congenital condition where string-like bands of tissue wrap around fingers and toes. Amniotic band syndrome is non-preventable and affects one in 15,000 births annually. Melody faced her condition with grace and her family was referred to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, where she has received comprehensive support. To date, Melody has had four surgical procedures to separate her fingers and remove excess skin to improve her hands’ functionality. Today, Melody proudly tells people about her unique hands. She loves doing art and celebrates her uniqueness.

Thanks to support from Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, Melody has received access to donor-funded programs, providing a lifeline of support for the areas of greatest need in children’s health care.