Giving

Seeing children go home healthy is the reward for the many dollars and volunteer hours given to Children's Miracle Network (CMN). Each year, CMN asks children previously treated at UMC Children’s Hospital to share their "miracle story." These stories help provide a glimpse into the many ways CMN and UMC help to make miracles every day.

2022 Miracle Children

Taylee Watson

High school senior Taylee Watson was taking senior pictures with her show steer when the unexpected happened... her steer got spooked and dragged her 150 feet, leaving her leg severely injured. Taylee kept a positive attitude about the healing journey she had ahead of her. She just had one fear: not being able to continue her passion of showing steer.

The team at UMC Children’s Hospital was dedicated to helping Taylee get back to doing what she loved, and they did just that! Not only is Taylee back to walking, but she is participating in the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo® and the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo® this year.

Because of donors like you, the kids throughout our vast region receive the very best in medical care. If you would like to help keep the miracles going, give to your passion here.

Emma Gast

Emma Gast began experiencing extreme pain in her chest and back. After receiving an x-ray, ordered by her UMC pediatrician, Dr. Arrington Madison, Emma soon found out what she thought may just be over-exertion was actually Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma, a type of cancer.

Emma was admitted to UMC Children’s Hospital for treatment. The care team at UMC Children’s Hospital gave Emma a sense of normalcy during her stay, and their care allowed her to conquer cancer and get back to school to continue pursuing her passion for cheerleading.

Because of donors like you, the kids throughout our vast region receive the very best in medical care. If you would like to help keep the miracles going, give to your passion here.

Kolbie Ramos

Kolbie Ramos was returning from a trip when the car she was in was struck by a drunk driver veering into the opposite lane. Kolbie sustained a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) that resulted in the loss of more than 30% of her brain. Her injury affected several of her motor skills, including her ability to walk, speak, and see out of one of her eyes. Through personal resiliency, an unbreakable bond between a father and daughter, and a community of some of the best nurses and neurologists in the world, Kolbie is a walking miracle, full of passion for those she hopes to inspire in the future.

Pediatric nurses, doctors, and therapists at UMC Children’s Hospital have become part of Kolbie and Michael Ramos' family. With unparalleled dedication against incredible unknowns, Kolbie has defied all odds by relearning to walk, talk, and, according to her dad, being "three times sassier than she used to be."

Because of donors like you, the kids throughout our vast region receive the very best in medical care. If you would like to help keep the miracles going, give to your passion here.

Laikyn and Lorelei Snider

At around 25 weeks pregnant with twins, Desiree and Charlie Snider's house burned down due to a faulty electrical outlet in their backyard. While recovering from that loss, with the assistance of the generous West Texas community, another tragedy struck. Desiree felt a strange popping sensation in the middle of the night, followed by progressively worsening pain throughout the day. Not long after arriving at UMC, Desiree began hemorrhaging blood, prompting the UMC medical staff into immediate action. The physicians determined that Desiree’s uterus had ruptured, a medical emergency that severely threatened Desiree and her twins.

With swift action, UMC's medical staff saved both babies, delivering them after only 25 weeks of development and stopped Desiree's bleeding, saving her life as well. Though the physical recovery in the UMC Neonatal Intensive Care Unit was challenging, Desiree and Charlie were reassured by a loving, professional staff who has become part of their extended family. The twins and Desiree are both healthy and happy. As things slowly normalize, the Sniders are joyously learning how to manage their three young children under two years old. They are grateful for UMC Children's Hospital and the expertise that granted them the opportunity.

Because of donors like you, the kids throughout our vast region receive the very best in medical care. If you would like to help keep the miracles going, give to your passion here.

2021 Miracle Children

Kynlee White

On May 13, 2020, Kynlee thought she had broken her leg falling down the stairs. She went to the doctor and discovered that it was something else entirely. She had a sunburst of osteosarcoma - bone cancer.  At only 13 years old, Kynlee was in and out of UMC for a year for chemotherapy. After a hard fight with treatments, surgery, and rehab, Kynlee rang the bell. She was cancer free. Kynlee is a fighter and is glad to be back doing the things she loves. She is so appreciative of all the support she received from her nurses and doctors at UMC and says she could never have done it without them!

Because of you, the kids throughout our vast region receive the very best in medical care. If you would like to help keep the miracles going, donate here.

Lillie Stone

When Lillie’s mom and dad were diagnosed with COVID in December of 2020, it was assumed Lillie was positive, too. However, what seemed like a night of Lillie generally not feeling well changed when she had multiple seizures back-to-back. After being rushed to UMC, Lillie was admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit to begin testing. The Pediatric Neurosurgery Team, alongside the PICU Team, ran many tests and had many diagnostic exams done to shed more light on Lillie and her seizures. After a stay in PICU, Lillie was finally able to go home. Her parents are grateful to everyone who took care of them and were able to ease their fears in such a difficult time.

Because of you, the kids throughout our vast region receive the very best in medical care. If you would like to help keep the miracles going, donate here.

Zeke Arredondo

At just 17, Zeke was diagnosed with COVID in August of 2020. What started out as a minor sinus issue, quickly progressed to Zeke having uncontrollable fevers and moving into multi-system organ failure. After being admitted to UMC’s Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, doctors and nurses did everything they could to keep Zeke’s body functioning the way it should. After a total of nine days in pediatric care, he was finally able to go home. Today he is on the road to recovery and doing better every day.

Because of you, the kids throughout our vast region receive the very best in medical care. If you would like to help keep the miracles going, donate here.

I’Keen Chacon

Just a short 7 weeks ago, I’Keen was born prematurely on June 22, 2021. Immediately admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, doctors and nurses worked tirelessly to get him the help he needed. Today, although still too young to be touched, I’Keen is doing incredible. He has made tremendous strides in his health and progresses more and more with each day that passes. His parents are eternally grateful to the NICU team and look forward to continuing to see baby I’Keen thrive.

Because of you, the kids throughout our vast region receive the very best in medical care. If you would like to help keep the miracles going, donate here.

2020 Miracle Children

Elizeth Andazola

Rhue Feaster

In September 2019, Rhue’s parents began to notice significant changes in her behavior—she seemed unsettled and abnormally fussy. By October, the fussing and crying worsened. Rhue’s mom, Alison, took her to the doctor who thought she was just experiencing a bad bout of constipation.

Later that week, Alison and Rhue’s grandfather saw what they thought was a lump in her buttock. This, of course, raised a red flag for Alison, and she took Rhue back to the doctor. An ultrasound, a CAT scan, an MRI and a biopsy were ordered. It was revealed Rhue had a germ cell tumor in her pelvis.

Dr. Thomas McGill, Pediatric Surgeon, performed surgery to remove the tumor November 8, 2019. The tumor was the size of a toy football. On November 14, Rhue began her first of four rounds of chemotherapy with Pediatric Oncologist Dr. Kishor Bhende.

Rhue completed chemo on January 16, 2020, and is in chemical remission. She is back to being a healthy and active 2-year-old!