Meet Champion, Merveille

Merveille’s story began before she was born, when her parents learned during the 3-month ultrasound that she would have a cleft lip and palate. Though the news was difficult, her doctors offered reassurance, education, and a caring team guiding them through every step. Born prematurely at 32 weeks after a placental abruption, Merveille was airlifted to Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital, a Children’s Miracle Network hospital, where she spent 11 weeks in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Feeding was a challenge, but the Maxillofacial Program and Sacred Heart’s nurses, therapists, and specialists helped find the right tools and techniques to address it. At 14 months old, she underwent palate repair surgery and has since continued developmental reviews with a multidisciplinary cleft team. Children’s Miracle Network funding has ensured the program’s survival, supporting nurses, speech therapists, and feeding resources for children like Merveille. Now a bright and curious kindergartener, Merveille is thriving.