Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Gabbie's Story

Gabbie
Age 13
Children's Hospital Colorado
Concussion

When 11-year-old Gabbie was struck by a soccer ball and knocked to the ground, it seemed reasonable not to consider possible lasting effects. Soon after, however, Gabbie experienced persistent nausea, ringing in her ears, fatigue and migraines. Doctors diagnosed her with a severe concussion and insisted she refrain from physical activity.

While most concussions heal within the first few weeks, Gabbie’s concussion lasted almost three months. Luckily, she sustained no cognitive damage and learned a lot from her doctors about this misunderstood injury.

Gabbie has since returned to soccer and actively helps her teammates and other athletes avoid head injuries. She is a natural leader who puts safety first by wearing protective headgear and setting an example for teammates and younger athletes to follow. Gabbie is committed to helping others and hopes to study medicine at UCLA.

Children's Miracle Network Hospitals Champions

Champions is a Children's Miracle Network Hospitals program that brings attention to the important work being done at its 170 children’s hospitals. It does this by honoring 54 remarkable kids who have faced severe medical challenges, and helping them tell their stories.

The Champions program designates a child in every state who has bravely battled a serious injury or illness. The Champions represent the 17 million children treated at Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals every year. The 2012 Champions have dealt with a wide variety of injuries and illnesses including genetic diseases, organ transplants and traumas, as well as various types of cancer.

The Champions travel for a week in September, first to Washington, D.C., where they traditionally meet with their state representatives on Capitol Hill and visit the White House. They then take a private chartered flight, provided by Delta Air Lines, to Orlando, Fla. While there, Champions meet Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals corporate partners, hospital representatives and media partners. These groups convene to celebrate a year of medical miracles during the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Celebration event at Walt Disney World Resort.