Miracle Kids

9-year-old Annsleigh was playing on a swing when the branch above her suddenly snapped. It came crashing down, causing a devastating head injury that left her unresponsive. She was airlifted to UMC Children’s Hospital, where doctors warned her family, the road ahead would be uncertain.

Her brain injury was life-threatening, and doctors weren’t sure if she would ever walk, talk, or even wake up again. But with time, care, and endless prayers, Annsleigh began to surprise everyone. Months later, she spoke her first words after the accident, “I love you.”, and slowly regained movement in her arm.

Today, Annsleigh is in 5th grade and back at school with her friends and siblings by her side. She’s learning new ways to adapt, discovering life as a left-hander, and most importantly, living each day as proof of just how strong she is!

Annsleigh’s recovery is nothing short of a miracle. Her courage and determination inspires everyone who meets her, and we are proud to celebrate her as one of our 2025 Miracle Kids!

Devin’s story began with a fight to breathe. Born early with underdeveloped lungs, he was intubated just hours after birth and spent 17 days in the NICU. When his nurse noticed something wasn’t right with his breathing, pediatric ENT (ears, nose and throat) specialist Dr. Winslo Idicula, discovered that Devin’s airway was about the size of a coffee straw, making it difficult for him to breathe, feed, and grow.

Over his first five months of life, Devin underwent eight surgeries to open his airway. Thanks to the special equipment purchased with donations to the Children’s Miracle Network, Dr. Idicula can perform life-saving procedures that give kids like Devin a second chance at life. Today, Devin is thriving. His laughter fills the home, and every breath he takes is a miracle.

At just 18 months old, Sealy’s parents noticed he was unusually tired and had what looked like a rash. After testing at UMC Children’s Hospital, they received the life-changing news that Sealy had acute myeloid leukemia, a rare form of blood cancer.

Sealy spent seven challenging months in the hospital receiving chemotherapy. Through it all, he found ways to laugh and play—lifting the spirits of his family and the nurses who cared for him.

In December 2024, Sealy proudly rang the bell, marking the end of his treatment! Today, while he still returns for monthly checkups, most days you’ll find him running, playing and keeping everyone on their toes.

Sealy’s joyful spirit continues to inspire, and we’re honored to celebrate him as one of our 2025 Miracle Kids!

Ruby was diagnosed with the most severe form of sickle cell disease when she was only a few days old. Since then, Ruby has had more than 40 hospital stays, several surgeries, and 18 blood transfusions. Even so, Ruby keeps moving forward. She has a port for treatments that has been with her since she was 17 months old, and she continues to face the daily realities of living with sickle cell. While there is hope for future treatments like gene therapy, for now Ruby’s life is built around managing her disease and making the most of every moment.

What makes Ruby extraordinary is the way she refuses to let sickle cell define her. With the support of her family and her UMC care team, she finds ways to laugh, explore, and live her best life and we’re proud to celebrate her as a 2025 Miracle Kid.