Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Jenny's Story

Jenny
Age 15
University of South Alabama Children’s & Women’s Hospital
Brain Tumor

While high school can bring some headaches, 14-year-old Jenny’s pains were definitely out of the ordinary. After a year of, originally diagnosed, “migraines,” Jenny was rushed to the hospital due to excruciating head pain.

Doctors discovered a brain tumor known as cerebellar astrocytoma, and began surgery 11 hours later. While on the operating table, a blood clot developed in Jenny’s brain and doctors had to perform an emergency craniotomy to save her life.

Jenny finished her freshman year homebound, but headstrong. Nicknamed “Rock Star” by one of the nurses, she remained determined and positive during months of relearning how to speak and walk.

In the fall, Jenny returned to school and attended homecoming. In addition to the beautiful, red hair and an infectious smile that makes Jenny stand out, she is special because of the lessons she learned from her tumor. Jenny is grateful to be alive and wouldn’t trade those experiences for the world.

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.