33^rd Annual Miracle Tournament and Celebration Dinner

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.

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 OHSU Doernbecher Children's Hospital in Portland, OR.

Ages 12 & 10

Madison (Maddie) has only known life with cystic fibrosis. A few days after she was born, she was transferred to OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital for a bowel obstruction. After undergoing the procedure, she stayed in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for 30 days. Two years later, Maddie’s little brother, Max, was also diagnosed with a bowel obstruction. His parents knew to go to the NICU at Doernbecher where his sister received care. Max’s severe bowel obstruction and jejunoileal atresia led to his diagnosis of cystic fibrosis too. As Maddie grew up, her condition began affecting her liver, and when she was 10, she was diagnosed with CF-associated liver disease. While their parents wouldn’t wish the diagnosis on either of their children, they see how Maddie and Max support each other on their shared health journeys. Maddie, now 12, loves art, playing golf and wants to be a veterinarian. 10-year-old Max is an all-star baseball player and his favorite position is shortstop. Maddie and Max continue to lean on one another as they manage their condition and are each other’s biggest cheerleaders.

Thanks to the support of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, Maddie and Max received quality care during their stay in the NICU at OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital.