Meet Our CMN Hero – Marbree!
Born in April of 2017 with critical congenital heart defects, Marbree’s early life was marked by extensive medical challenges. Following birth, her condition rapidly worsened, leading to organ failure, an emergency thoracotomy and, ultimately, open heart surgery.
Marbree faced many obstacles on her road to recovery. She coded multiple times following heart surgery and was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension and a stroke, which caused mild cognitive impairment and some delays in her speech and memory. Despite these setbacks, Marbree, who lives with her family in Holmen, Wis., has remained on track for meeting developmental milestones. Her determination has never wavered, and that’s what makes her our Hero.
Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals played a key role in supporting Marbree’s care journey. They provided financial assistance in the form of gas cards and hotel stays, allowing her family to focus on her treatment and recovery without added financial stress. Most recently, they’ve supported music therapy sessions that help strengthen Marbree’s cognitive skills.
“Having a medically complex child can be a huge financial burden for a family,” says Marbree’s mom, Megan. “Support from CMN Hospitals lightened the load during such a stressful time and allowed us to focus back on our child’s treatment and recovery rather than wondering where we were staying, how we were getting there and where the money would come from during a time when there was little to no income coming in.”
Marbree doesn’t let her medical conditions interfere with enjoying gymnastics, swimming, arts and crafts, piano playing and songwriting—all of which have helped her develop both physically and creatively. Her compassionate spirit is evident through her efforts in hosting lemonade stands to benefit CMN Hospitals, demonstrating her kindness and desire to give back.
With the help of CMN Hospitals and her supportive family, friends and community, Marbree continues to thrive, inspiring those around her with her strength and resilience.
