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Meet Our Miracle Kids

At IlliniThon, everything we do is FTK: For The Kids.
Our Miracle Kids are strong, courageous kiddos who were able to overcome serious health prognoses through their treatment at St. John’s Children's Hospital. Our Miracle Kids and Families inspire all of our efforts, from planning and hosting fun events for them to enjoy to fundraising to make more miracles! 

Addison

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Addison was born at 24 weeks gestation. She was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and DiGeorge syndrome. Addison spent 115 days at St. John's. Due to her condition, she is nonverbal, but uses an AAC device to communicate. Addison likes pizza, purple, and swimming!

Oliver

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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

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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 spend 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!

Madison

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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!

Eli

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Eli was taken to St. John's from his local hospital for emergency surgery. He underwent a procedure for intussusception, a blockage in the intestines. Eli's blockage was biopsied and it was revealed that he had Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL). He then started chemotherapy, as has received 7 treatments. Eli likes video games, football, basketball, and cheeseburgers!

Jayden

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Due to the amniotic sack rupturing at 19 weeks, Jayden was born at 23 week gestation and stayed in the NICU for 111 days. He underwent 4 operations, was on and off a ventilator, and had a Grade 4 brain bleed. Jayden is now an enthusiastic high-schooler who likes "America's Got Talent", "Dancing With the Stars," and is active in his school community!

Lexi

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Lexi was born at 27 weeks. She stayed in the NICU for 3 months, during which she was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, hydrocephalus, and vision problems. Lexi likes playing basketball, going to the beach, pizza, and wants to be a teacher when she is older!

Ireland

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Ireland was born prematurely at 30 weeks. She had a brain bleed and spent some time in the NICU. Ireland likes animals, making forts, mac-n-cheese, and does Taekwondo!

Wyatt

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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 nonverbal, but uses an AAC device to communicate. Wyatt likes chicken fries, green, and swimming!

Quinn

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Quinn was prematurely 28 weeks. She was diagnosed with respiratory distress syndrome, chronic lung disease, and PDA. Quinn spent 2 and half months in the NICU where she needed to be on constant oxygen. She hasn’t had a hospital visit in 2 years. Quinn likes pink, dance class, and strawberries, and loves her twin sister, Taylor!

Jase

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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!

Peyton

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Peyton was 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. 

Jaxon

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Since 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 twin brother and younger sister. 

Nash & Maddox

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Nash and Maddox were born prematurely at 32 weeks. After birth, they experienced various complications, affecting their cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems. Three years later, Nash and Maddox are doing great, and love Oreos, chicken fingers, and Pop-Tarts! 

Molly

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Molly was with the rare genetic condition ectodermal dysplasia, causing her hair to be brittle and the inability to sweat. Since her condition puts her at an increased risk for infection, Molly spent 21 days in the PICU for septic shock. Molly likes spaghetti, cats, and wants to open a vet clinic when she is older!

Brandon

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Brandon was born on December 7, 2003. He was born with anal stenosis and has undergone multiple inpatient and outpatient surgeries and rehabilitation therapies. Brandon likes swimming, running, basketball, and meeting new people!

Damoni

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Damoni was born at 27 weeks. He stayed in the NICU and PICU for a while. He is doing great now and hitting all of his developmental milestones. Damoni likes blue, dino nuggets, "Bluey," and dinosaurs!

Taylor

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Taylor was born at 28 weeks gestation. She was diagnosed with respiratory distress syndrome, chronic lung disease, and PDA. Taylor spent 2 and half months in the NICU where she needed to be on constant oxygen, and 30 days in the PICU. She hasn’t had a hospital visit in 3 years. Taylor loves purple, dance class, spaghetti, and her twin sister, Quinn!

Arwen

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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!

Eliza

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Eliza was born on 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!

Kaydence

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Kaydence was born at 25 weeks, weighing just 1lb 15 oz. She had a Grade 3 brain bleed that led to hydrocephalus and an infection from being on a ventilator. She spent 112 days in the NICU, during which she underwent 4 surgeries. Now a high-schooler, Kaydence likes horseback riding, spending time with friends, and volleyball!

Bryce

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Bryce was born at 23 weeks. He was diagnosed with chronic lung disease and respiratory distress syndrome. Bryce underwent surgery for Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) at 22 days old. Now, he occasionally uses a nasal cannula for oxygen and an inhaler for wheezing. Bryce likes "Star Wars", playing basketball, and the Chicago Bears!

Finn

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At 2 years old, Finn was diagnosed with autism. Finn underwent developmental, speech, and occupational therapy for several years. She used visual communication and sign language until she started speaking in full sentences at the age of 5. Finn likes Roblox, hockey, wolves, and plays the flute!

Judah

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Judah was born on July 2, 2016. He was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia and stayed in the PICU, ER, and OR. However, he is currently in remission in which cancer is not present in his bones nor blood. Judah likes Roblox, Pokemon, pasta, and soccer!

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