2025 Niswonger Children's Network Patient Ambassador Line-Up
Money raised at Radiothon supports programs and equipment that help grow and heal our patient ambassadors!
Harrison
Cerebral Palsy
Parents Hayley and Nathan spent 10 weeks by Harrison's side in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Niswonger Children's Hospital and an additional 15 weeks at a NICU in Nashville, Tennessee. Faced with the reality of their baby's fragile health, his parents spent Harrison's early years battling the medical complexities that come with cerebral palsy and Short Bowel Syndrome that led to 75% of his small intestine being removed.
Throughout their journey, they found strength through the NICU team and with other parents who stayed at Ronald McDonald House in Johnson City.
"I loved having that community because that was the only thing that really got us through - they celebrate with you. That was such a special part."
Harrison's parents' dedication has never wavered, and they make a point to celebrate every milestone - just like the NICU team. His mother shares that, at nearly sever years old now, "Harrison is becoming very independent. It's still a balance because he does need assistance with physical things with bathing, but he is a very silly sharp little guy."
Harrison continues to build strength with ongoing check-ins at Niswonger Children's Hospital with his team of specialists, along with weekly visits for physical, occupational, and speech therapy.
Parents Hayley and Nathan spent 10 weeks by Harrison's side in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Niswonger Children's Hospital and an additional 15 weeks at a NICU in Nashville, Tennessee. Faced with the reality of their baby's fragile health, his parents spent Harrison's early years battling the medical complexities that come with cerebral palsy and Short Bowel Syndrome that led to 75% of his small intestine being removed.
Throughout their journey, they found strength through the NICU team and with other parents who stayed at Ronald McDonald House in Johnson City.
"I loved having that community because that was the only thing that really got us through - they celebrate with you. That was such a special part."
Harrison's parents' dedication has never wavered, and they make a point to celebrate every milestone - just like the NICU team. His mother shares that, at nearly sever years old now, "Harrison is becoming very independent. It's still a balance because he does need assistance with physical things with bathing, but he is a very silly sharp little guy."
Harrison continues to build strength with ongoing check-ins at Niswonger Children's Hospital with his team of specialists, along with weekly visits for physical, occupational, and speech therapy.
Aly
ATV Accident
Between softball practice, student council, and honor society, Aly is a bright and vibrant high schooler. But when an ATV accident in 2021 left her with significant trauma wounds, shock brought life to a stop. That's how Aly and her family ended up in the emergency room at Niswonger Children's Hospital.
"They really made her feel like a priority." Aly's mother said. "It was a blur for us because of everything going on. We didn't know how bad her leg injury was yet."
Repairing and healing severe wounds is a long, multi-layered process. The risk of limb loss is high and for an active teenage, the possibility of losing your leg is heavy. "The surgeon connected with us - she broke it down for us really understand the situation."
Aly underwent multiple surgeries and treatments to save her leg. Having someone to talk to can make all the difference, like the Child Life Specialists at Niswonger Children's Hospital, who lifted Aly's spirits as she relearned how to walk.
"Knowing I had something to work towards motivated me to get better," Aly said. "I was going to play softball again, even though I didn't 100% know how things were going to turn out."
Now, Aly even makes the most of her scar, showing if off to enhance her zombie costume during this most recent Halloween. With Niswonger Children's support, Aly is back on the field and hitting life out of the park.
Emmett
Trauma
After just two years old, Emmett experience a tragic accident and was rushed by emergency services to Niswonger Children's Hospital. His mom, Emilee, describes how caring and support made all the difference during that chaotic and stressful time. "Even in that terrible moment, it was really nice to see how caring and supporting everyone was - the dispatch, EMTs, the doctors, the nurses."
"There was a Child Life Specialist that was immediately with Emmett at the hospital, helping him calm down. There was a Chaplain who was there for me. She told me 'You need to breathe. Here's some water. Can I pray with you?"
That support only grew. "My parents were there; my husband was there. My whole family. I knew that we had such a strong support system, that we could get through this." Through multiple surgeries, Emmett and his family knew that Niswonger Children's Hospital and the community had their backs.
Emmett lost two toes in the accident. After healing, he regularly attends speed and physical therapy at Niswonger Children's, and he loves his hospital visits. "People poured so much love into him that he feels safe and comfortable there."
Now three years old, Emmett doesn't let the injury hold him back. Emilee shares, "He is so strong. He hasn't let this affect him or change him. Every day is a normal day for him. He just lives his life."
Colton
Type 1 Diabetes
Batter up! Colton has been a baseball fanatic since birth. His three siblings are equally active, with a weekly routine of sports practices, washing grass stains, and post-game snacks. But three years ago, that routine was up-ended when his parents got a call from Colton's school - he was just not himself.
That led 7-year-old Colton to Niswonger Children's Hospital, learning about type 1 diabetes with his new stuffed friend, Rufus the diabetic bear. Fearful of what his new diagnosis meant for Colton's future, his patents know that this wasn't something he could just "get over."
The support system at Niswonger Children's made all the difference in understanding Colton's new "normal" of sugar levels, insulin shots, and diet changes, all while providing education and reassurance to Colton that having type 1 diabetes wasn't his fault.
"It's nerve-wracking and a big learning curve in the beginning," his mother Misty said. "I don't know how we would have survived the first year without a nurse diabetic educator."
Today, Colton continues to manage his diabetes alongside the same team that first saw him - with his baseball bat and Rufus in tow.
"Everyone at Niswonger Children's Hospital is in your corner," Colton's father Aaron said. "If we needed to call somebody at two o'clock in the morning, someone was there. They've got your back."
Between softball practice, student council, and honor society, Aly is a bright and vibrant high schooler. But when an ATV accident in 2021 left her with significant trauma wounds, shock brought life to a stop. That's how Aly and her family ended up in the emergency room at Niswonger Children's Hospital.
"They really made her feel like a priority." Aly's mother said. "It was a blur for us because of everything going on. We didn't know how bad her leg injury was yet."
Repairing and healing severe wounds is a long, multi-layered process. The risk of limb loss is high and for an active teenage, the possibility of losing your leg is heavy. "The surgeon connected with us - she broke it down for us really understand the situation."
Aly underwent multiple surgeries and treatments to save her leg. Having someone to talk to can make all the difference, like the Child Life Specialists at Niswonger Children's Hospital, who lifted Aly's spirits as she relearned how to walk.
"Knowing I had something to work towards motivated me to get better," Aly said. "I was going to play softball again, even though I didn't 100% know how things were going to turn out."
Now, Aly even makes the most of her scar, showing if off to enhance her zombie costume during this most recent Halloween. With Niswonger Children's support, Aly is back on the field and hitting life out of the park.
Emmett
Trauma
After just two years old, Emmett experience a tragic accident and was rushed by emergency services to Niswonger Children's Hospital. His mom, Emilee, describes how caring and support made all the difference during that chaotic and stressful time. "Even in that terrible moment, it was really nice to see how caring and supporting everyone was - the dispatch, EMTs, the doctors, the nurses."
"There was a Child Life Specialist that was immediately with Emmett at the hospital, helping him calm down. There was a Chaplain who was there for me. She told me 'You need to breathe. Here's some water. Can I pray with you?"
That support only grew. "My parents were there; my husband was there. My whole family. I knew that we had such a strong support system, that we could get through this." Through multiple surgeries, Emmett and his family knew that Niswonger Children's Hospital and the community had their backs.
Emmett lost two toes in the accident. After healing, he regularly attends speed and physical therapy at Niswonger Children's, and he loves his hospital visits. "People poured so much love into him that he feels safe and comfortable there."
Now three years old, Emmett doesn't let the injury hold him back. Emilee shares, "He is so strong. He hasn't let this affect him or change him. Every day is a normal day for him. He just lives his life."
After just two years old, Emmett experience a tragic accident and was rushed by emergency services to Niswonger Children's Hospital. His mom, Emilee, describes how caring and support made all the difference during that chaotic and stressful time. "Even in that terrible moment, it was really nice to see how caring and supporting everyone was - the dispatch, EMTs, the doctors, the nurses."
"There was a Child Life Specialist that was immediately with Emmett at the hospital, helping him calm down. There was a Chaplain who was there for me. She told me 'You need to breathe. Here's some water. Can I pray with you?"
That support only grew. "My parents were there; my husband was there. My whole family. I knew that we had such a strong support system, that we could get through this." Through multiple surgeries, Emmett and his family knew that Niswonger Children's Hospital and the community had their backs.
Emmett lost two toes in the accident. After healing, he regularly attends speed and physical therapy at Niswonger Children's, and he loves his hospital visits. "People poured so much love into him that he feels safe and comfortable there."
Now three years old, Emmett doesn't let the injury hold him back. Emilee shares, "He is so strong. He hasn't let this affect him or change him. Every day is a normal day for him. He just lives his life."
Colton
Type 1 Diabetes
Batter up! Colton has been a baseball fanatic since birth. His three siblings are equally active, with a weekly routine of sports practices, washing grass stains, and post-game snacks. But three years ago, that routine was up-ended when his parents got a call from Colton's school - he was just not himself.
That led 7-year-old Colton to Niswonger Children's Hospital, learning about type 1 diabetes with his new stuffed friend, Rufus the diabetic bear. Fearful of what his new diagnosis meant for Colton's future, his patents know that this wasn't something he could just "get over."
The support system at Niswonger Children's made all the difference in understanding Colton's new "normal" of sugar levels, insulin shots, and diet changes, all while providing education and reassurance to Colton that having type 1 diabetes wasn't his fault.
"It's nerve-wracking and a big learning curve in the beginning," his mother Misty said. "I don't know how we would have survived the first year without a nurse diabetic educator."
Today, Colton continues to manage his diabetes alongside the same team that first saw him - with his baseball bat and Rufus in tow.
"Everyone at Niswonger Children's Hospital is in your corner," Colton's father Aaron said. "If we needed to call somebody at two o'clock in the morning, someone was there. They've got your back."
Asher
Niswonger Children's Emergency Department
It takes a village- and 7-year-old Asher has a village of experts supporting him and his family.
As a child with Down Syndrome and having experienced a multitude of medical emergencies since birth, Asher is no stranger to hospitals and the doctors' office. Between doctors' visits, physical therapy, occupational therapy, feeding therapy, and school, Asher's days are certainly busy, but that doesn't stop him from enjoying cartoons, spending time with his family, and finding joy in the little things.
One important member of Asher's village is the team at Niswonger Children's Hospital.
While late-night visits to the Emergency Department are never fund, Asher's mom shared that having Niswonger Children's nearby ensures that, when something does happen, Asher is able to get the care that he needs, fast. "Anytime something seems out of the ordinary," Joni shares, "we go to Niswonger Children's Hospital. They understand that it's scary. but they always make everything fun and enjoyable for the kids."
"For the last couple of years, it's been pretty boring. You don't realize, until you experience big health needs, that you want your healthcare to be boring." These days, Asher is hard at work learning to work and trying new foods in his feeding therapy. But, if something does happen, Joni knows that Niswonger Children's Hospital is there.
It takes a village- and 7-year-old Asher has a village of experts supporting him and his family.
As a child with Down Syndrome and having experienced a multitude of medical emergencies since birth, Asher is no stranger to hospitals and the doctors' office. Between doctors' visits, physical therapy, occupational therapy, feeding therapy, and school, Asher's days are certainly busy, but that doesn't stop him from enjoying cartoons, spending time with his family, and finding joy in the little things.
One important member of Asher's village is the team at Niswonger Children's Hospital.
While late-night visits to the Emergency Department are never fund, Asher's mom shared that having Niswonger Children's nearby ensures that, when something does happen, Asher is able to get the care that he needs, fast. "Anytime something seems out of the ordinary," Joni shares, "we go to Niswonger Children's Hospital. They understand that it's scary. but they always make everything fun and enjoyable for the kids."
"For the last couple of years, it's been pretty boring. You don't realize, until you experience big health needs, that you want your healthcare to be boring." These days, Asher is hard at work learning to work and trying new foods in his feeding therapy. But, if something does happen, Joni knows that Niswonger Children's Hospital is there.
Elliott & Benjamin
NICU
Most people don't plan to spend their New Year's Eve in the hospital, but just before midnight on December 31, 2023, Aubrey found herself in an ambulance headed to Niswonger Children's Hospital. Instead of ringing the New Year at home, Aubrey and her husband Alex spent their first few days of 2024 with the Niswonger Children's team, doing all they could to delay the premature birth of their twins, Ben and Elliott.
On January 4, 2024, Ben and Elliott were born more than three months early. Weighing only 1 lb 15 oz each, Ben and Elliott were rushed to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Both boys had a difficult start with multiple health issues. For Aubrey and Alex, the team in Niswonger Children's NICU were a bright spot during a hard time. According to Aubrey, "The nurses were just so supportive and so knowledgeable. They gave us a lot of reasons to be hopeful while not being unrealistic."
After 109 days and 200 days respectively, Ben and Elliott were finally able to come home. Now Ben and Elliott each have ongoing therapies to support their development, and the family is setting into their new normal. "They are these wonderful, resilient, chill little guys. They are unflappable," says Aubrey.
"We're grateful for every day that we get to have with them," Alex shares. "Even when they're screaming and crying! That's a hard moment, and gosh, isn't it special to have that moment with them because they are alive and here?"
Most people don't plan to spend their New Year's Eve in the hospital, but just before midnight on December 31, 2023, Aubrey found herself in an ambulance headed to Niswonger Children's Hospital. Instead of ringing the New Year at home, Aubrey and her husband Alex spent their first few days of 2024 with the Niswonger Children's team, doing all they could to delay the premature birth of their twins, Ben and Elliott.
On January 4, 2024, Ben and Elliott were born more than three months early. Weighing only 1 lb 15 oz each, Ben and Elliott were rushed to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Both boys had a difficult start with multiple health issues. For Aubrey and Alex, the team in Niswonger Children's NICU were a bright spot during a hard time. According to Aubrey, "The nurses were just so supportive and so knowledgeable. They gave us a lot of reasons to be hopeful while not being unrealistic."
After 109 days and 200 days respectively, Ben and Elliott were finally able to come home. Now Ben and Elliott each have ongoing therapies to support their development, and the family is setting into their new normal. "They are these wonderful, resilient, chill little guys. They are unflappable," says Aubrey.
"We're grateful for every day that we get to have with them," Alex shares. "Even when they're screaming and crying! That's a hard moment, and gosh, isn't it special to have that moment with them because they are alive and here?"
Skylar
Niswonger Children's Hospital Pediatric Oncology Clinic
Five-year-old Skylar is a big fan of superheroes. And thanks to the Niswonger Children's Hospital Pediatric Oncology Clinic, Skylar can be his own superhero.
Skylar's journey with the Niswonger Children's Hospital Pediatric Oncology Clinic began with a couple of minor falls and injuries- normal experiences that you would expect a child to have. However, when Skylar began experiencing ongoing leg pain and difficulty walking, his parents knew that something wasn't right. Multiple doctors visits later, it was confirmed. Skylar had leukemia and would need to be treated at another hospital. Now, Skylar is able to receive his treatment close to home at Niswonger Children's Hospital.
Leukemia, and its treatment, can be very difficult. Brandi, Skylar's mom, shares how she explained to Skylar what he could expect from treatment. "One day, I was putting his Hulk socks on, and I said "You're getting Hulk juice. So, this is going to make you really strong, but it might make you sick for a little bit."
"He doesn't have the energy that he did. But he is still obsessed with sports. Not much can change that except that he's just not able to physically do it sometimes. It's just a little different now." Together, Skylar and his family continue to take steps to healing every day.
Five-year-old Skylar is a big fan of superheroes. And thanks to the Niswonger Children's Hospital Pediatric Oncology Clinic, Skylar can be his own superhero.
Skylar's journey with the Niswonger Children's Hospital Pediatric Oncology Clinic began with a couple of minor falls and injuries- normal experiences that you would expect a child to have. However, when Skylar began experiencing ongoing leg pain and difficulty walking, his parents knew that something wasn't right. Multiple doctors visits later, it was confirmed. Skylar had leukemia and would need to be treated at another hospital. Now, Skylar is able to receive his treatment close to home at Niswonger Children's Hospital.
Leukemia, and its treatment, can be very difficult. Brandi, Skylar's mom, shares how she explained to Skylar what he could expect from treatment. "One day, I was putting his Hulk socks on, and I said "You're getting Hulk juice. So, this is going to make you really strong, but it might make you sick for a little bit."
"He doesn't have the energy that he did. But he is still obsessed with sports. Not much can change that except that he's just not able to physically do it sometimes. It's just a little different now." Together, Skylar and his family continue to take steps to healing every day.
Willow Gray
Short Bowel Snydrome
Born prematurely, it wasn't likely that Willow Gray would cry when she was born due to underdeveloped lungs. But Willow did cry, and her mom said "it was the sweetest thing ever," at 32 weeks into the pregnancy, Willow Gray's parents learned that she had a dilated bowel that resulted in her being born prematurely. Will Gray required multiple surgeries and a long stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Niswonger Children's Hospital.
Beth, Willow's mom, shares her experience: "As a mom, it was scary. But the nurses were amazing. To know that you had somebody there that loves your baby just as much as you and who would take care of her. We feel like we have a family here."
During her NICU stay, the Niswonger Children's Hospital team celebrated every success and every milestone that Willow achieved. "No matter how big or how small, they celebrated those milestones with us," Beth says. "Willow was three months old when she got to go outside for the first time, and it felt like they were giving her a parade."
When considering other families going through a similar experience, Beth shares some advice that was given to her: "You just have to keep the faith and continue to focus on the good. It does get better. 115 days later and we finally got to go home. Sometimes it feels like it takes forever, but it does get better.
Born prematurely, it wasn't likely that Willow Gray would cry when she was born due to underdeveloped lungs. But Willow did cry, and her mom said "it was the sweetest thing ever," at 32 weeks into the pregnancy, Willow Gray's parents learned that she had a dilated bowel that resulted in her being born prematurely. Will Gray required multiple surgeries and a long stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Niswonger Children's Hospital.
Beth, Willow's mom, shares her experience: "As a mom, it was scary. But the nurses were amazing. To know that you had somebody there that loves your baby just as much as you and who would take care of her. We feel like we have a family here."
During her NICU stay, the Niswonger Children's Hospital team celebrated every success and every milestone that Willow achieved. "No matter how big or how small, they celebrated those milestones with us," Beth says. "Willow was three months old when she got to go outside for the first time, and it felt like they were giving her a parade."
When considering other families going through a similar experience, Beth shares some advice that was given to her: "You just have to keep the faith and continue to focus on the good. It does get better. 115 days later and we finally got to go home. Sometimes it feels like it takes forever, but it does get better.
Killashandra
Cerebral Palsy
Every day brings new opportunities and challenges for Killashandra and her family. When Killashandra was 6 months old, she suffered a seizure. At Niswonger Children's Hospital, her mother learmed that Killashandra had a severe cerebral palsy.
"I was scared if she would ever walk or talk," Christina said, "Would I wake up and my child not be there anymore?"
The last 16 years haven't been easy, and navigating the complexities of cerebral palsy takes a village. As Killashandra grew older, transportation to Niswonger Children's Hospital for her physical, occupational, and speech therapy became difficult.
Inspired by their determination and resilience, the team at Niswonger Children's rallied together and created a Go-Fund-Me to purchase a handicap-equipped van from a local community member. That opened new avenues to freedom for Killashandra.
"God bless them for coordinating that," her mother said. "Our children live when they feel loved, when they feel like they have a home and place."
While each day looks a little different, Killashandra will be eagerly awaiting the morning school bus and her brothers' bedtime serenade - "You're more precious than gold. You're more precious than diamonds.
Every day brings new opportunities and challenges for Killashandra and her family. When Killashandra was 6 months old, she suffered a seizure. At Niswonger Children's Hospital, her mother learmed that Killashandra had a severe cerebral palsy.
"I was scared if she would ever walk or talk," Christina said, "Would I wake up and my child not be there anymore?"
The last 16 years haven't been easy, and navigating the complexities of cerebral palsy takes a village. As Killashandra grew older, transportation to Niswonger Children's Hospital for her physical, occupational, and speech therapy became difficult.
Inspired by their determination and resilience, the team at Niswonger Children's rallied together and created a Go-Fund-Me to purchase a handicap-equipped van from a local community member. That opened new avenues to freedom for Killashandra.
"God bless them for coordinating that," her mother said. "Our children live when they feel loved, when they feel like they have a home and place."
While each day looks a little different, Killashandra will be eagerly awaiting the morning school bus and her brothers' bedtime serenade - "You're more precious than gold. You're more precious than diamonds.
Kendricks Family
Pediatric Care and Strong Starts
With a heart to provide a safe and stable home for children in need. Rachel Kendricks, social worker and dedicated mother, embarked on a journey to adopt three vibrant siblings - Kaycee (14), Parker (8), and Ridge (3).
In a house buzzing with life, building her family has been equally rewarding and challenging. That's why establishing a consistent support network through Niswonger Children's Hospital has been critical for the Kendricks family. "I couldn't have done it without their pediatrician," Rachel reflects. "She's truly been a godsend for us."
Each child has health needs as unique as their personalities. Ridge, the youngest, has feeding therapy for nutritional issues. Parker has ongoing support to manage his ADHD. Kaycee was born with a leg disorder that caused her legs to bow inward. After having two surgeries and physical therapy at Niswonger Children's, Kaycee's confidence has transformed her into a completely different kid.
"Any kind of accommodations we've needed or questions we've had, Niswonger Children's has been right on it," Rachel shares. That includes emotional and mental health support through programs like Strong Starts, which connects families with essential resources and services during children's early developmental years."
While they may not know exactly where life takes them next, the Kendricks household will embrace each step with love and laughter.
Collins
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)
Born curious and inquisitive. Collins loves to observe the world. She also has a silly, musical side - and can get a room dancing, even the family's beloved poodle mixes. But a year ago, what started as ankle pain turned to pin-point bruising and an inconsistent fever. After their pediatrician ran bloodwork, Collins was sent immediately coordinated an integrated plan with another hospital in Tennessee.
As parents of a 2-year-old, Will and Elizabeth never thought they'd be facing the dig C word - cancer. "The nature of her act was difficult - a lot happens developmentally," they said. "When the oncologists told us this was not just treatable, but curable, that moment was big. We had full confidence."
With a rollercoaster of emotions, logistics, and learning curves ahead, little Collins began her first seven weeks of treatment at another children's hospital before returning home to continue care at Niswonger Children's Hospital's Pediatric Oncology Clinic.
"There were a lot of irons in the fire. But we never had to think about any of it," her father said. "All we had to do was follow the plan and make sure she got better."
Facing another year and a half of treatment, the Turners have found ways to spark joy and Collins' sillier side. That includes their weekly visits to Niswonger Children's Hospital for ongoing physical, occupational, and music therapy - where you can find everyone dancing with Collins.
"Even in hard times, laugher is medicine too."
With a heart to provide a safe and stable home for children in need. Rachel Kendricks, social worker and dedicated mother, embarked on a journey to adopt three vibrant siblings - Kaycee (14), Parker (8), and Ridge (3).
In a house buzzing with life, building her family has been equally rewarding and challenging. That's why establishing a consistent support network through Niswonger Children's Hospital has been critical for the Kendricks family. "I couldn't have done it without their pediatrician," Rachel reflects. "She's truly been a godsend for us."
Each child has health needs as unique as their personalities. Ridge, the youngest, has feeding therapy for nutritional issues. Parker has ongoing support to manage his ADHD. Kaycee was born with a leg disorder that caused her legs to bow inward. After having two surgeries and physical therapy at Niswonger Children's, Kaycee's confidence has transformed her into a completely different kid.
"Any kind of accommodations we've needed or questions we've had, Niswonger Children's has been right on it," Rachel shares. That includes emotional and mental health support through programs like Strong Starts, which connects families with essential resources and services during children's early developmental years."
While they may not know exactly where life takes them next, the Kendricks household will embrace each step with love and laughter.
Collins
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)
Born curious and inquisitive. Collins loves to observe the world. She also has a silly, musical side - and can get a room dancing, even the family's beloved poodle mixes. But a year ago, what started as ankle pain turned to pin-point bruising and an inconsistent fever. After their pediatrician ran bloodwork, Collins was sent immediately coordinated an integrated plan with another hospital in Tennessee.
As parents of a 2-year-old, Will and Elizabeth never thought they'd be facing the dig C word - cancer. "The nature of her act was difficult - a lot happens developmentally," they said. "When the oncologists told us this was not just treatable, but curable, that moment was big. We had full confidence."
With a rollercoaster of emotions, logistics, and learning curves ahead, little Collins began her first seven weeks of treatment at another children's hospital before returning home to continue care at Niswonger Children's Hospital's Pediatric Oncology Clinic.
"There were a lot of irons in the fire. But we never had to think about any of it," her father said. "All we had to do was follow the plan and make sure she got better."
Facing another year and a half of treatment, the Turners have found ways to spark joy and Collins' sillier side. That includes their weekly visits to Niswonger Children's Hospital for ongoing physical, occupational, and music therapy - where you can find everyone dancing with Collins.
"Even in hard times, laugher is medicine too."
Born curious and inquisitive. Collins loves to observe the world. She also has a silly, musical side - and can get a room dancing, even the family's beloved poodle mixes. But a year ago, what started as ankle pain turned to pin-point bruising and an inconsistent fever. After their pediatrician ran bloodwork, Collins was sent immediately coordinated an integrated plan with another hospital in Tennessee.
As parents of a 2-year-old, Will and Elizabeth never thought they'd be facing the dig C word - cancer. "The nature of her act was difficult - a lot happens developmentally," they said. "When the oncologists told us this was not just treatable, but curable, that moment was big. We had full confidence."
With a rollercoaster of emotions, logistics, and learning curves ahead, little Collins began her first seven weeks of treatment at another children's hospital before returning home to continue care at Niswonger Children's Hospital's Pediatric Oncology Clinic.
"There were a lot of irons in the fire. But we never had to think about any of it," her father said. "All we had to do was follow the plan and make sure she got better."
Facing another year and a half of treatment, the Turners have found ways to spark joy and Collins' sillier side. That includes their weekly visits to Niswonger Children's Hospital for ongoing physical, occupational, and music therapy - where you can find everyone dancing with Collins.
"Even in hard times, laugher is medicine too."
Patton
NICU
Kendra's pregnancy had been progressing normally. But at 26 weeks, she and her husband Jackson were shocked when her water began leaking. They drive to the emergency room from their home in Hampton, Tennessee, and she was admitted to the hospital. "We were really nervous and scared; we didn't know what was going on," says Kendra.
For the next 40 days, she was on bedrest while baby Patton was continually scanned and monitor for growth and Kendra was given medication to ensure his lunch and brain developed.
Kendra's biggest fear was that underdeveloped lings wouldn't allow him to cry. She went into labor at 32 weeks and was overjoyed to hear a big wail when Patton was born. He stayed in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at 4-1/2 weeks, but only had to be on oxygen for a week.
While Patton was in the NICU, Kendra says the private room the family was given was a gamechanger. "We had unlimited visiting hours and there was a bed so we could spend the night if we wanted to." She says nurses checked on all of them continually and one even made a blanket for Patton.
We were lucky enough to have Niswonger Children's Hospital in our backyard," says Kendra. "The nurses and doctors gave us hope when we didn't have a lot of hope left. If it wasn't for this hospital, I probably wouldn't be here telling this story."
Jackson says he is grateful for the NICU nurses who he says he called "a million times" a day. "My son is my world. Just to know that he was ok while there was everything to me. I knew he was in the best arms at all times. Niswonger Children's Hospital is giving kids who aren't full term a chance to keep going."
Kendra's pregnancy had been progressing normally. But at 26 weeks, she and her husband Jackson were shocked when her water began leaking. They drive to the emergency room from their home in Hampton, Tennessee, and she was admitted to the hospital. "We were really nervous and scared; we didn't know what was going on," says Kendra.
For the next 40 days, she was on bedrest while baby Patton was continually scanned and monitor for growth and Kendra was given medication to ensure his lunch and brain developed.
Kendra's biggest fear was that underdeveloped lings wouldn't allow him to cry. She went into labor at 32 weeks and was overjoyed to hear a big wail when Patton was born. He stayed in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at 4-1/2 weeks, but only had to be on oxygen for a week.
While Patton was in the NICU, Kendra says the private room the family was given was a gamechanger. "We had unlimited visiting hours and there was a bed so we could spend the night if we wanted to." She says nurses checked on all of them continually and one even made a blanket for Patton.
We were lucky enough to have Niswonger Children's Hospital in our backyard," says Kendra. "The nurses and doctors gave us hope when we didn't have a lot of hope left. If it wasn't for this hospital, I probably wouldn't be here telling this story."
Jackson says he is grateful for the NICU nurses who he says he called "a million times" a day. "My son is my world. Just to know that he was ok while there was everything to me. I knew he was in the best arms at all times. Niswonger Children's Hospital is giving kids who aren't full term a chance to keep going."