33^rd Annual Miracle Tournament and Celebration Dinner

Treated at UNM Children’s Hospital in Albuquerque, NM.

Natalie’s cancer journey began at the age of ten when her mom noticed her daughter’s visual impairment. She was diagnosed with an Optic Pathway Glioma, a type of cancer that is difficult to treat and can also affect the pituitary gland. After two chemotherapy sessions, the tumor had completely disappeared, and her family rejoiced. She continued chemotherapy for another year as neurologists monitored Natalie.

A few months later, an MRI identified an area of concern and a biopsy confirmed Anaplastic Astrocytoma, a different, more aggressive brain tumor. She immediately and courageously began treatment again, including 30 rounds of proton therapy radiation and 42 rounds of oral chemotherapy.

Although her treatment worked, she was left with hemiparesis, the weakness of her right side weakness, which required two years in physical and occupational therapy. Recently, an MRI detected a new area of concern, this time, in Natalie’s brain stem. To get a biopsy, Natalie needed major surgery to access the tumor through her cerebellum. Doctors found a Germinoma tumor and her family was relieved to learn that the condition is very treatable. Now, Natalie is bravely facing months of chemotherapy again at UNM Children’s Hospital.

Donations to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals benefited Natalie’s highly tailored care throughout her journey.

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 Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, FL.

You would never know by looking at Gavin that he spent the first five years of his life battling debilitating ailments and undergoing countless treatments for an undiagnosed disease. Gavin was just three months old when he started experiencing persistent high fevers, rashes, vomiting, and blood in his intestinal tract. Early tests confirmed elevated liver enzymes and inflammatory markers in his blood. Gavin received treatment for his symptoms, but nothing seemed to cure the cause. When he was just two years old, Gavin had surgery for his kidneys at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. The surgery was successful, but Gavin continued to suffer from his ailments. For the next three years, Gavin endured several colonoscopies, biopsies, and MRIs without a definite diagnosis. At five years old, after discovering ulcers throughout Gavin’s intestinal tract, he was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease- an inflammatory bowel disease that causes chronic inflammation in the intestinal tract. Crohn’s disease is rare in young children and often undetectable. Today, he receives IV infusion treatments every four weeks and is living a much healthier life. Gavin is an 12-year-old who loves all things golf-related, riding roller coasters, swimming, reading, and has a zest for life.

Thanks to the support of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, Gavin received a diagnosis and receives ongoing infusion treatment help improve his quality of life.