Meet Champion, Teagan

Every Friday, Teagan arrives at the pediatric unit with a smile and a tradition: a double cheeseburger, fries, chocolate milk, hot cocoa, and a side of chocolate pudding. It’s all part of her routine before enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), a treatment that replaces the missing enzymes caused by a metabolic disorder, mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS), with lab-produced alternatives to help manage her symptoms. Over the years, Teagan, her family, and the Arnot Ogden Medical Center nursing staff have perfected a process that makes her feel comfortable and supported. Her signature “1, 2, 3” head nod signals she’s ready to begin, and her positivity brightens the entire unit. For the nurses, Fridays aren’t just treatment days, they’re Teagan days. Her courage, warmth, and sunny presence turn what could be a difficult experience into a celebration of resilience and strength.