Addison was born at just 24 weeks and weighing 1 lb. 9 oz. She spent 115 days in the St. John’s NICU. Diagnosed with cerebral palsy and DiGeorge syndrome, Addison is nonspeaking and uses an AAC device to communicate. Today, she is 16 years old and loves pizza and swimming! She also loves being part of IlliniThon!

During his stay in the NICU, Oliver was diagnosed with Pierre Robin Sequence, a rare developmental condition affecting the jaw and mouth. Oliver spent a month and a half in the NICU and later received several corrective surgeries. He is currently in speech therapy and graduated feeding therapy. Oliver likes mac-n-cheese, red, dogs, and playing outside with friends!

Lyndie was born at 23 weeks gestation. She spent 9 months in the NICU, during which she underwent heart surgery and a tracheostomy. She also spent 160 days on a ventilator. Lyndie is now a friendly middle-schooler who likes Culver's, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, and painting! She was also a 2025 CMN National Champion, serving as an ambassador for hospitals like St. John's and programs like ours!

Peyton was born at 23 weeks, as one of three triplets. Her sister, Abby, and brother, Parker, both passed away in the hospital, making her the only surviving triplet. Peyton spent 4 months in the NICU, and was nicknamed the “Princess of the NICU” by her nurses. Today, she loves playing outside with her dog, reading, and summer camp.

Eliza was born at 25 weeks gestation. She had a perforated intestine, brain hemorrhaging, and was on a ventilator for four months. With a 50/50 chance of survival, Eliza’s doctors described her as “one tough cookie!" Today, Eliza likes cheerleading, reading, pink, and Takis!

After a serious car accident, Jase had to be airlifted to St. John's. Due to the severity of his injuries, Jase's entire body had to be controlled by machines, except for his heart. He had surgeries to open his trachea for breathing and to rebuild his jaw. Today, Jase is a healthy ten-year-old who likes steak, green, baseball, and was named a 2026 CMN Local Champion!

Twins Taylor and Quinn were born at 28 weeks and spent 2 1⁄2 months in the St. John’s NICU after facing respiratory distress syndrome, chronic lung disease, and PDA. Both needed constant oxygen, and Taylor spent 30 days in the PICU. Today, Taylor has been hospital-free for three years and Quinn for over two! Taylor loves purple, puzzles, dolls, and oranges, while Quinn loves pink, dancing, soccer, pedicures, and strawberries.

A week after her birth, Madison was diagnosed with Neuronal Migration Disorder, causing developmental delays, seizures, and feeding complications. Madison spent 43 days in the NICU, and, 2 months later, was re-admitted for respiratory issues and underwent a tracheotomy. She also has Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, affecting her skin, joints, and blood vessels. Now,  Madison likes horses, pizza, and drawing!

After Jaxon's birth, the St. John’s staff searched tirelessly for a diagnosis as all genetic tests were inconclusive. Jaxon was later diagnosed with VACTERL due to vertebral, cardiac, and renal complications. This resulted in 10 surgeries, including a tracheostomy and G-tube insertion. Jaxon loves rollercoasters and his siblings, a sister and twin brother.

At 12, Eli was rushed to St. John’s for intussusception and underwent emergency surgery, where doctors discovered lymphoma in his bowel. Diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, Eli completed seven rounds of chemotherapy after tests showed no other cancer in his body. Today, he celebrates ringing the “No More Cancer” bell and loves video games, football, basketball, and the color blue.

Damoni was born 13 weeks early at 27 weeks gestation, and he spent time in both the St. John’s NICU and PICU. Today, he is doing great and hitting all his milestones! He’s getting ready to start pre-K this fall and loves being a big brother. When he’s not coloring, you can find him watching Paw Patrol and enjoying time with his family.

Wyatt was born prematurely at 31 weeks. He was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, speech delay, and hydrocephalus. Wyatt underwent hypospadias repair and spend 20 days in the NICU. He is nonspeaking, but uses an AAC device to communicate. Wyatt likes chicken fries, green, and swimming!

After her mom experienced a severe car accident, Arwen was born via an emergency C-section at 23 weeks. She was given a 1% chance of survival, and spent 5 months in the NICU, with many repeated visits to the PICU due to lung disease. She underwent occupational therapy and speech therapy. Arwen likes bread, purple, singing, dancing, and cats!

Judah faced acute myeloid leukemia and received care in the St. John’s ER, PICU, and OR. After treatment, Judah reached remission, with no cancer found in his blood or bones. Today, he loves playing Roblox, Pokémon, soccer and eating his favorite food, pasta!

Twins Nash and Maddox were born prematurely at 32 weeks and spent time in the St. John’s NICU, where they struggled to breathe, maintain their temperature, and feed. Their hearts would also stop, requiring stimulation. Today, both boys are thriving and haven’t had a scare since they were three months old! They love Oreo Pop-Tarts and chicken strips.