Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Ariana's Story

Ariana
Age 10
Children's Specialized Hospital
Traumatic Brain Injury

Doctors witnessed a miracle the night 7-year-old Ariana was pierced with an arrow. She wasn’t supposed to live, but she fought through that first critical night and hasn’t given up since.

After a seven-week coma, Ariana awoke and began to face the effects of a massive stroke and aneurysm. Taking her diagnosis and recovery one day at a time, Ariana never gave up hope but fought with a smile and cheerful attitude.

Today, Ariana continues to progress with cognitive, speech, occupational and physical therapy. Her strong spirit helps her keep up with all her favorite things, including music, dancing and soccer. Her recovery is a reminder of the importance of staying strong, especially when times are tough.

Children's Miracle Network Hospitals Champions

Champions is a Children's Miracle Network Hospitals program that brings attention to the important work being done at its 170 children’s hospitals. It does this by honoring 54 remarkable kids who have faced severe medical challenges, and helping them tell their stories.

The Champions program designates a child in every state who has bravely battled a serious injury or illness. The Champions represent the 17 million children treated at Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals every year. The 2012 Champions have dealt with a wide variety of injuries and illnesses including genetic diseases, organ transplants and traumas, as well as various types of cancer.

The Champions travel for a week in September, first to Washington, D.C., where they traditionally meet with their state representatives on Capitol Hill and visit the White House. They then take a private chartered flight, provided by Delta Air Lines, to Orlando, Fla. While there, Champions meet Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals corporate partners, hospital representatives and media partners. These groups convene to celebrate a year of medical miracles during the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Celebration event at Walt Disney World Resort.