Miracle Children
Each year, CMN asks children previously treated at UMC Children’s Hospital to share their “miracle story.”
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.
2024 Miracle Children
Dax Flickinger
Dax first came to the UMC ER with what was thought to be a stomach virus. However, scans revealed something far more serious – a large lymphoma in his abdomen, entangled around vital organs. At just 11 years old, Dax was diagnosed with stage 3 anaplastic large cell lymphoma, a rare and aggressive form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Dax’s condition demanded urgent action. Over the next 10 months, he bravely endured surgery, port placement, a bone marrow biopsy, lumbar punctures, and six rounds of chemotherapy, all while battling significant weight loss.
Earlier this year, Dax proudly rang the bell, marking the end of his treatment. Sadly, his cancer has recently returned. But just as he’s done from the very beginning, Dax faces this new challenge with courage and resilience. We are committed to standing by his side, supporting him every step of the way.
What makes Dax so special to us is his infectious positivity. He’s been a shining light in our hospital, lifting the spirits of everyone he meets. Our nurses, doctors, and staff are continually inspired by his courage and joyful outlook, even during the most difficult moments.
Gigi Gaytan
At just ten months old, Gigi experienced a devastating accident during a sink bath when hot water caused third-degree burns over 70% of her body. Her mother acted quickly, pulling Gigi from the water and calling for help, but the injuries were severe. She faced a long and difficult road to recovery, but thanks to the dedicated care she received at the UMC Timothy J. Harnar Burn Center, she’s making remarkable progress.
Now two years old, Gigi’s story is a powerful reminder of the strength found in even the smallest of fighters.
Olivia Dean
Olivia’s story began on what seemed like a routine day with a fever and a stomach
ache. However, a trip to the UMC Children’s ER revealed a much more serious issue. Doctors discovered that Olivia had a ruptured blood vessel in her kidney and a six-centimeter Wilms tumor, which is a type of cancer commonly found in children.
Thanks to the specialized care provided by the team at UMC Children’s Hospital,
Olivia received urgent surgery to remove the tumor before it could spread to other parts of her body. This critical intervention was a major step in her journey toward recovery.
Today, Olivia is more than halfway through her treatment plan, which includes both chemotherapy and radiation. Despite the intensity of her treatments, Olivia remains incredibly positive and resilient, earning her the well-deserved nickname “Tough Cookie.”
Sky Perez
Sky was born in January 2023 with a number of rare and serious medical conditions. She was diagnosed with trisomy 3 and monosomy 4, a combination of chromosome abnormalities that caused agenesis of the corpus callosum, meaning the part of her brain that connects the left and right hemispheres is missing. Sky has also faced collapsed lungs, requiring a tracheostomy, ventilator, and G-button to help her breathe and eat. In addition, she has glaucoma, holes in her heart (ASD and VSDs), and grey matter in her brain, which causes seizures.
Despite these challenges, and now at 19 months old, Sky continues to amaze everyone with her strength. Though her medical challenges are ongoing, her bright spirit shines through each day. Thanks to the expert care she’s received at UMC Children’s Hospital and the constant love and support of her parents, Candace and Spencer, Sky is doing remarkably well. Her parents are with her every step of the way, making sure she gets the best care possible and celebrating each small victory as a huge win.
2023 Miracle Children
AJ Hounshell
On December 11, 2019, Troy and Denay received news that turned their family’s world upside down: Their son, AJ, had Leukemia, a form of cancer. Both healthcare professionals, AJ’s parents knew that the road forward would be difficult, requiring aggressive chemotherapy treatments. Only three days after receiving their initial diagnosis, AJ underwent routine and experimental therapies to push his cancer toward remission. After three and a half years of treatments, AJ is preparing to ring the bell to declare he’s cancer free.
Nearing the end of his treatments, surrounded by his Lego creations of all shapes and sizes, a therapeutic hobby he reconnected with during treatment, AJ reflected on his several years visiting the Cancer Center at UMC and how he felt like the caregivers at UMC became part of his family. “You’re in really good hands,” AJ said, thinking about that supportive group cheering him on. AJ continues pursuing his passions of politics, history, and screenwriting. “I’m hoping to write a Star Wars script someday,” he said with a smile, knowing that he can dream because of UMC’s talented specialists’ dedication and world-class expertise.
At UMC, we’re the force that’s always with you. Whatever your passion, we promise to support you because Our Passion is You.
Ava Pena
In February, Ava began running low grade fevers and developed what looked like a rash. At the recommendation of UMC pediatrician, Dr. Douglas Klepper, Nick and Holly Pena took their daughter to a UMC Children’s Hospital Oncologist. At only 20 months old, Ava was diagnosed with Leukemia. Without knowing where treatment would lead them, the Pena family began Ava’s chemotherapy.
“All of the nurses at the UMC Cancer Center are awesome and would tell us everything we needed to know. They have Child Life Specialists that would help distract her and bring her toys,” Holly remembers. Even Sable, UMC’s resident facility dog would come in to cheer Ava up on therapy days, “And then Sable would come in and she would get so excited because she would get to see the puppy and have that comfort for her.”
“Having all the treatment here without having to travel to Houston or Dallas, it just made things so much easier. We are here with our family.” The Pena’s finally see light at the end of their daughter’s treatment and believe that Ava is truly a miracle.
UMC is dedicated to helping children get back to living life to the greatest, because Our Passion is You.
Braydon Winters
“Braydon had a very severe burn. About half of his body was burned and, unfortunately, most of that was third degree – the worst degree, deepest kind of burn that you can have,” recalls Dr. John Griswold, Medical Director of the UMC Timothy J. Harnar Burn Center. At the time, Braydon was only 4 years old which made for a very difficult treatment.
“We were there for about 4 months, starting out he was in the ICU. A lot of skin graphs for surgeries,” remember Braydon’s mother. Being from New Mexico, Braydon’s family traveled to Lubbock because of the expertise UMC has as the only Burn Center within 400 miles. “We will always come here for his care.”
Braydon has recovered and continues to improve, getting back to being a little boy and enjoying life.
UMC is dedicated to making sure children can get back to their passion of living life to the fullest because Our Passion is You.
DeArmond Triplets
Adam and Laci DeArmond were over the moon upon learning they were pregnant with triplets – two girls and a boy. At their 6-week ultrasound, things didn’t go as easily as planned, and they learned that the girls had one placenta and two sacks, making a miscarriage of one of the girls highly likely. Then, at their week 12 ultrasound, there she was – growing and thriving – but there was still a less than 5% chance of survival.
Dutton, and sister, Rowyn, both needed assistances breathing upon delivery, and their third little miracle, Rainey, who they feared might not make it, was the only one not intubated and has gone from a birth weight of 15oz to a thriving 4lbs 10oz and is on her way to coming home.
“Dr. Piepkorn, Dr. Tenpenny, Dr. Sorel, Dr. Pena… every single nurse that we’ve had, we are so thankful for them”, said Laci, with Adam adding, “you can tell that they take care of their patients, but they take care of mom and dad, too. We have made some good friends here.”
“The Angel Eye (camera) was great! It was so nice to be able to see, especially when I was going home to Childress for work…getting to see her and all the other babies and our family all had access to it so they would get on and look and text us, ‘hey, the babies look great!’ and it just made it a lot easier… UMC feels like home.”
Wherever life’s journey takes you, UMC strives to become home until we can get you back to yours because, at UMC, Our Passion is You.
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 2020, it was assumed Lillie was positive, too. However, what seemed like a night of Lillie generally not feeling well changed when she had back-to-back seizures. 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 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 as 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 noticed significant changes in her behavior—she seemed unsettled and abnormally fussy. By October, the fussing and crying had worsened. Rhue’s mom, Alison, took her to the doctor, who thought she was 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 on 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!