T.C. Thompson Children’s Hospital introduced twelve Miracle Children during the annual tree-lighting event held on Nov. 28, at the Erlanger Medical Mall. The new Miracle Children will represent Children’s Hospital in the coming year as part of the Children’s Miracle Network activities.
Introduced were three-year-old Mung-Shu Shen, son of Chia Hung Shen and Li-Chui Ku of Hixson; ten-month-old twins, Will and Charlie Beckler, son and daughter of Bryan and Jamie Beckler of Dalton; three-year-old twins, Morgan and Logan McBryar, sons of Tammy Simons of Trenton; two-year-old Britney Johnson, daughter of Chad and Keena Johnson of Whitwell; four-year-old Rachel Phillips, daughter of Steve and Monica Phillips of Chickamauga; three-year-old Kennedy Groves, daughter of Adam and Becky Groves of Hixson; nine-year-old Casey Cables, granddaughter of Cheryl Jenkins of Chatsworth; Caleb Craig, son of David and Sherry Craig of Cleveland; three-year-old Jonathan Ryker Chambers, son of Jessica Chambers of Flintstone; and 18-year-old Misty Lacey, daughter of Amy Lacey of Hixson.
“The amount of courage and strength that each of these children possess is incredible,” said Magen Hooper, Children’s Miracle Network coordinator at Erlanger. “As Miracle Children, they will have the opportunity to touch and encourage so many others.”
Three-year-old Mung-Shu Shen was diagnosed with a ventricular septum defect, nissen fundoplication and severe acid reflux, which prevented him from gaining weight and developing at a normal pace. Mung-Shu underwent open heart surgery and completed therapy to learn how to properly eat again. He is now a very healthy and active child.
Ten-month-old twins Will and Charlie Beckler were born two months premature. Will spent nine weeks in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Erlanger, while sister Charlie spent eight weeks in the NICU. The twins are now thriving and show no signs of their premature birth.
Three-year-old twins Morgan and Logan McBryar were diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Morgan was diagnosed in August, 2006 and Logan was diagnosed four weeks later. The twins are currently in remission and are doing exceptionally well. Their treatment will be finished in two and a half years.
Two-year-old Britney Johnson was born 16 weeks premature. She was immediately placed in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Erlanger where she spent the next 139 days. Britney faced many challenges including jaundice, a collapsed lung, necrotizing enterocolitis and loss of vision in both of her eyes. Britney is currently attending the Siskin Children’s Institute where she receives therapy and works with a teacher to help her adapt to being visually impaired.
Four-year-old Rachel Phillips was brought to Children’s Hospital on the morning of her third birthday with a frighteningly high fever. After undergoing many tests, Rachel was placed in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Erlanger and was soon diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Rachel is now over half way through her treatment and plans to one day become a doctor so that she can heal kids who are diagnosed with cancer.
Three-year-old Kennedy Groves was referred to Children’s Hospital therapy services after her mother noticed she was having trouble with basic movements. She was soon diagnosed with ataxic cerebral palsy. After receiving speech, physical and occupational therapies, Kennedy is able to play community soccer and also participates in ballet class.
Nine-year-old Casey Cables was living a normal, active life until one year ago when her grandmother noticed she was having a seizure. She was airlifted to Children’s Hospital and placed in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. The seizures continued for two days and Casey was diagnosed with encephalitis, a viral infection in the brain. Casey began to recover and was eventually discharged and placed in inpatient rehabilitation. She has learned to walk and talk again and continues to make remarkable progress.
Caleb Craig was airlifted to Children’s Hospital after suffering a rupture arterio-venous malformation. The following day he underwent brain surgery and spent the next three days in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Erlanger. Caleb has made a complete recovery and just received an academic award in school.
Three-year-old Jonathan Ryker Chambers was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia. Through his fight, he has remained extremely brave and has retained a positive attitude.
Eighteen-year-old Misty Lacey was diagnosed with osteogenic sarcoma of the left thigh. She had a resection of part of the femur bone and of the left thigh and an insertion of a metal rod. Misty is now finished with therapy and is doing extremely well. She served as a junior volunteer this year at Erlanger. She frequently spends time in the Pediatric Oncology clinic entertaining and talking with the patients and their families.
“We are honored that these families came to T.C. Thompson Children’s Hospital for their children’s care. They truly are miracles,” said Ms. Hooper.
Children’s Miracle Network is an alliance of premier hospitals dedicated to helping children by raising funds and awareness for children’s hospitals across North America. As a Children’s Miracle Network hospital, T.C. Thompson Children’s Hospital is able to provide a unique environment of healing for all children, regardless of their financial situation.