Introducing our 2022 Heroes

Araina enjoys playing sports, studying gemstones and making jewelry. She has undergone more than 30 surgeries as a child with Spina Bifida and Arnold-Chiari Malformation Type 2. CMN Hospitals provided her parents with meal vouchers and gas cards during Araina’s hospital stays, as well as a hand trike for Araina when she was younger. “Every surgery took her two steps back but, with her power and determination, she overcomes all the obstacles that life throws her way,” Shannon, her mother, says. “There is no slowing her down or stopping her.” Araina is active in track and field at her high school. She also plays basketball, handball and tennis.

Jedi says the silver lining of his cancer diagnosis is that he got some kittens. His resilient spirit helped him battle Stage 4 Peripheral Mature T-Cell Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma with Leukemia component — a cancer rarely found in children. “To have CMN come in and provide so willingly and generously to our family was huge relief,” Dianna, his mom, says. “It helped lift our spirits to know we had support.” CMN Hospitals provided meal vouchers and gas cards for Jedi’s parents, as well as a blood pressure cuff and a device to help relieve the pain of daily shots. He enjoys playing games with his brothers, sports and science.

Piper was born 16 weeks early. This micro preemie was quickly nicknamed “Pistol Piper” for her feisty attitude, even as a newborn. She spent 105 days in the NICU – many of those in an isolette that was funded by CMN Hospitals. Her parents also received gas cards and meal vouchers during her stay. “Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals let us focus on what was important – Piper and her health,” says Amber, her mom. Now, this kindergartener loves dance and gymnastics. She graduated from her NICU follow up visits last year, and she enjoys playing with dolls and watching “Tangled” and “Fancy Nancy.”

Silas loves being in nature, camping with his family and enjoying the campfire. When he’s not following the Packers, Brewers and Badgers, you might find him swimming or jumping on a trampoline. This active boy spent the first six weeks of his life in the NICU, undergoing several procedures for lung problems and intestinal issues. Silas, a child with Down syndrome, has endured several surgeries over the years. CMN Hospitals provided meal vouchers and gas cards during his hospital stays, as well as help with music therapy. “It’s heartbreaking and stressful not knowing if your child is going to make it or what he is going to have to go through next,” Brenda, his mom, says. “Having an organization that understands and can help during a time of need is really great.”

Taryn’s father, Matt, was shocked when his wife, Lizz, said she was on her way to labor and delivery more than three months before her due date. Their daughter was born at 1 pound, 8 oz., a micro preemie who would spend nearly 100 days in the NICU. Taryn has had about a dozen eye surgeries since her NICU stay. CMN Hospitals has been with her since she was an infant, providing gas cards and meal vouchers. More recently, CMN Hospitals has assisted with Taryn’s glasses, which feature lenses invented just for her. Taryn’s beautiful personality shines through, and she loves singing and playing at the park. “CMN is part of our extended family now,” Lizz says, “and I cannot imagine our life without them.”