Isabella Bernardini is a student at Southern Methodist University and on Monday, she quickly became a top participant fundraiser for Southern Methodist University’s Dance Marathon program. Within a day, she raised approximately half of their total amount currently fundraised. With a month out from the event, she has currently raised $8,800 individually, and she isn’t stopping there.

Two years ago, Isabella was diagnosed with a brain tumor (anaplastic astrocytoma). After a year and a half of undergoing surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, Isabella is now cancer free! While she still has MRI’s and follow-up appointments at Children’s Health in Dallas, Texas, she has completed all invasive surgeries. Please click here to read Isabella’s full story.

“Without the care I received from my local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital here in Dallas and the incredible support from family and friends, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I’ve recognized the precious gift I was given when I not only survived but conquered cancer and now it is my mission to ensure no child suffers through illness or injury alone.” – Isabella

Thanks to care provided at Children’s Health, Isabella is fighting for the next generation – kids who have had experiences just like her. Isabella is an inspiration to not only Southern Methodist University, but to the entire Miracle Network Dance Marathon Movement and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

July 23, 2012   Was such an exciting and wonderful day for the Miller family!  Our oldest daughter Callie called early that morning and said they were heading to the hospital to welcome Nikiyah!   By the time my wife and I arrived, Callie was well into the labor process.   The only thing that marred that day was the decision by doctors to bring Nikiyah into our world through “C” section.   They said she was struggling a little bit and not to worry they were just erring on the side of caution.

Within about an hour of that decision we were holding and enjoying our first granddaughter!  She was beautiful and precious!  That evening, driving home, Teresa and I were talking about and planning all the things we wanted to do, now that Nikiyah was here.   We couldn’t wait to bring her home and spoil her!

The next day we called Callie, pictures were being texted back and forth, Nikiyah was so beautiful and healthy and doctors said she was doing well!  The future looked bright!

(Welcome to the world, Nikiyah!)

Then came the phone call I will never forget!   It is July 26^th, Callie and Nikiyah were scheduled to be released from St Anne’s Hospital.   I had gone to work and was well into my morning when Teresa called and said,” Come home now, something is terribly wrong with Nikiyah”!  She was so shaken by this that she hung up the phone.  I tried to call her back but no answer.   I rushed home, picked up Teresa and we headed for our two-and-a-half-hour trip to Columbus.   We never said a word to each other, we were in a state of shock!

We knew they were rushing Nikiyah to Nationwide Children’s Hospital.  When we arrived, we were taken to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit… no one could have prepared us for what we were about to witness!   First, there are machines everywhere, parents, doctors, nurses, and babies.  The babies are struggling for their lives!   My heart is now in my throat!  Am I having a nightmare?  Nikiyah is healthy, this isn’t right…   she shouldn’t be here, and then…?       We see her…         We were crushed!!!  Our little princess now connected to wires, surrounded by medical devices and wearing a breathing apparatus…   The look on our daughter’s face was one of complete despair!

To any family who has a child born with no sign of a health concern, when this happens, your most “Unthinkable” day has come!

Now earlier that day the nurse who was checking Nikiyah’s vital signs noticed something was wrong with her. Alerting the doctor, Nikiyah suddenly went into cardiac arrest.   Once they stabilized her, she was transported by ambulance to Nationwide Children’s Hospital.   There, they extensively examined Nikiyah and then shared the grim news with us…  They tell us she has a life-threatening issue with her heart.   We were in total shock and disbelief….

I remember the doctor sitting us down and describing Nikiyah’s condition, what it all meant, and the steps necessary to provide her with an opportunity to live.   She seemed to be confident, that Nikiyah had every chance to get through the procedures ahead.   That eased our fears some.   However, the fight of her life and ours was just beginning.   Just six days after Nikiyah was born, she would begin the first of many surgeries and procedures to save her life.

On the morning of her first surgery, Teresa, Callie and I were by Nikiyah’s side. That is when we meet Noel, the angel God sent to help us through everything we were about to experience.  Noel was so calm and confident, so kind and understanding, all of which we needed in that moment.   What we did not know was that Noel would be by Nikiyah’s side every time she faced another surgery or medical procedure.  Two years after that day we found that Noel had requested to be there each time Nikiyah needed help to get through the roller coaster of complications following every procedure.   To this day, I credit her compassion, professionalism and commitment to Nikiyah as the most significant reason she is alive and doing well!

(Nikiyah’s First Surgery)

As they prepared to take Nikiyah into her first surgery, Callie collapsed to the floor in front of us…    Lost in all my selfless emotions was the reality of the toll the “Unthinkable” had taken on our daughter.  Having no proper rest from the C section procedure she went through days earlier, and staying by Nikiyah’s side, the weight of what is about to happen came crashing down on her!   Our family was suffering!  But especially Callie!  If tomorrow came, what would it bring, and how would we get through it?

From that day on and over the next two years we would return to Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Every time we would experience highs and lows, ups and downs!  However, through all of it, as I look back, I can say the support from these most outstanding doctors, nurses, and staff was a true blessing!  They always made sure we were informed and did everything possible to answer our questions, calm our fears, and help us make good decisions concerning Nikiyah!

(Recovering from Surgery #2 and #3)

My wish is that no family ever face their “Unthinkable”!  But if they do, I am grateful to God for the people who make up the Children’s Miracle Network!   My family will forever owe a debt of gratitude for everything you provided to us!

Today, Nikiyah has fully recovered from all the surgeries and procedures she went through.  The doctors still monitor her each month and schedule her for checkups!   Being a single ventricle heart patient means that someday Nikiyah’s heart will wear out.   If it is God’s will that she receives a new heart, this beautiful, special girl will continue to impact the world around her all because Children’s Miracle Network made it possible!

(Happy 3rd Birthday, Nikiyah!)

In 2016 our organization United Networks of America became a sponsor for CMN.  That day I understood I could personally help other families who would face their “Unthinkable”!  I represent the KentuckyRxCard and through our support for CMN I am now an ambassador for their cause.  I have been privileged to stand before hundreds of people and speak about the wonderful things CMN does for children and their families across our nation!  For me it is a commitment I intend to keep the rest of my life!

On behalf of Nikiyah, and our entire family, we want to express our gratitude to each person who contributed to change our most “Unthinkable” day into a future we call our “Miracle”!  May God Richly Bless you is our prayer every day!

Sincerely,

Rick Miller

Kyrie has spent most of his life in the hospital being treated for short bowel syndrome caused by gastroschisis. When he was born, his intestine and part of his stomach were on the outside of his body. He has faced an uphill battle ever since. For the first two and a half years of his life, Kyrie couldn’t swallow foods, needed to rely on a feeding tube and vomited daily. Surgery — one of 13 he has endured during his four years — corrected his intestines so he can now swallow food and live more comfortably.

Kyrie still relies on a central line for nutrition, will struggle with chronic diarrhea and malabsorption for most of his life, and requires monthly checkups. Yet, this “old soul,” as he is often called, is a fighter. He and his family have found life-long friends because of Kyrie’s health challenges and are devoted to raising awareness about short bowel syndrome.

How donations helped Kyrie at Hasbro Children’s Hospital:  

Kyrie’s surgeon — and honorary member of his family — specializes in the treatment of short bowel syndrome and is one of the specialists supported by CMN Hospitals donations.

After a year of feeling unwell, Marc was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammation of the large intestine. Most cases are treated with medication, but Marc’s situation was so severe his large intestine had to be removed.

Despite multiple surgeries and painful procedures, Marc is mature and open about his condition, even joking about his colostomy bag with siblings and friends. “I know my illness happened to me because I could handle it,” said Marc. “Other kids may not be able to handle it as well as me.”

On difficult days when Marc didn’t want to leave his hospital bed, he could always be talked into visiting the pediatric playroom built and stocked using CMN Hospitals donations. He credits the video games there for getting him through each hospital stay. In addition to being an avid gamer, Marc also loves playing with Legos, reading and playing the piano.

How donations helped Marc at The Children’s Hospital at Providence: 

A pediatric playroom built and stocked using CMN Hospitals donations was a highlight during Marc’s hospital stays. Donations also supported the child life specialists who helped Marc understand his upcoming procedures, thus easing his anxiety, and also provided distractions during painful treatments.

With a long history of serious health conditions in the family, Daniel and his brothers had routine labs and checkups each year. In 2011, their fears were realized when Daniel was diagnosed with advanced Crohn’s disease after spending 48 consecutive days in the hospital.

While Daniel was fighting to get stabilized, his hospital fought just as hard to provide the best care available. He spent the next six months in and out of the hospital for treatments.

Not your average 16-year-old, Daniel is now healthy and his disease is fully under control. He loves to play video games and is an avid Extra Lifer, participating in the CMN Hospitals fundraising program. He enjoys competitive shooting and has earned various first-place medals in local events. He also plays the French horn in a musical symphony group.

How donations helped Daniel at San Jorge Children’s Foundation:  

CMN Hospitals donations help kids like Daniel by providing various medical needs, including paying for his medical expenses.