Children's Miracle Network

SPRINGFIELD, IL

Brenna was born with harlequin ichthyosis, a rare genetic skin disorder that affects the top layers of her skin. Her skin produces rapidly (about ten times faster than typical skin), and she has trouble with typical skin functions, such has regulating her body temperature, retaining moisture and keeping germs out of her body.

“The scariest moment for us was being told, when she was 5 days old, that she had a very aggressive blood infection and might not make it through the night. The happiest moment was seeing her walk confidently across the stage at the CMN Momentum conference representing the state of Illinois, high-fiving the crowd while everyone cheered.”

Today, Brenna’s prognosis is hopeful. She is a happy 9 year old and loves reading and playing with her brother!

SPRINGFIELD, IL

Damoni was born at just 27 weeks (13 weeks early). Mom lost a lot of blood and had an emergency c-section, and Damoni was born breech. He had severe paleness and needed a blood transfusion ASAP. 

He received Top Tier care at HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital in the NICU, PICU, and Birth Center. Mom and Damoni also spent time in the Playroom and the Healing Garden.

Damoni is now a completely healthy 3-year-old who loves playing outside with his football and basketball. He also enjoys doing cannonballs on the couch or anything that involves being a wild child. He attends Pre-K, has a full conversation, he can name his dinosaurs and knows his ABC’s.
 

On his way to go swimming with his sister, Jase’s life changed in an instant when their car was t-boned by a semi-truck. Airlifted to HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital, he was placed in a coma for 15 days while machines supported nearly every function of his body. Jase had a traumatic brain injury, multiple brain bleeds, a skull fracture, lung contusions, broken bones, and a spleen laceration. His care included surgery to repair his shattered jaw with dissolvable plates and screws, a trach, and a G-tube. He fondly recalls compassionate nurses taking him to the pediatric healing garden for fresh air and therapy, lifting his spirits as he set out on a long journey toward recovery. After 12 weeks in rehab, Jase returned home and continued outpatient therapy. Today, he’s embraced life with resilience, taking part in football, baseball, and even bull riding, defying all expectations.

SHERMAN, IL

At 26 weeks pregnant, mom was diagnosed with COVID-19. As the days went on, her illness got worse. She was admitted to St. John’s antepartum unit for two days to make sure both she and the baby were stable. After that time, she was released to go home, but the next day noticed the baby wasn’t moving very much. She knew it was time to head to the hospital. 

When she got up to Labor and Delivery, things progressed very quickly. She was in active labor, Jude was in distress and was breech. Jude was born by emergency c-section at 27 weeks gestation, weighing only 1 lb 15 ounces. The scariest moment was seeing his tiny little body. It made her feel helpless. Jude spent 79 days in the NICU at HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital.

Jude is now 4-years-old, started Pre-K and soccer, follows his big sister everywhere and loves playing outside.

The family is forever grateful for the quick actions of the staff that they are certain helped save Jude’s life. They are so appreciative of everyone’s support during that time.

SPRINGFIELD, IL

Kaydence was once given a 60% chance of survival. She had a bloodstream infection, meningitis, infection in her intestines (which perforated), retinopathy of prematurity, a hole in her heart, lung disease from being on a ventilator for so long, several blood and platelet transfusions and six surgeries total. She also had a grade three brain bleed causing hydrocephalus which resulted in a shunt being implanted, which she will have for life.

With the help of her medical team, Kaydence has grown into a healthy and thriving 11 year old. She is hitting all of her milestones physically and developmentally.