2009 CMN Miracle Kids
Each year, Children’s Miracle Network selects amazing children to represent the hundreds of thousands of patients who are treated at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta annually. The courage that these children possess is inspiring and the personal strides they have made are worthy of recognition.
We are pleased to introduce our 2009 Miracle Children.
Alison
When she was 22 months old, Alison Johnson accidentally fell two stories out of an open window, fracturing her skull on the cement below. Unresponsive, Alison was transported by helicopter to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, where doctors performed emergency brain surgery and told her parents their daughter might not live through the night. Following her surgery, doctors put Alison into a medically induced coma for a week to help her heal. When Alison awoke from her coma, doctors discovered that a piece of her fractured skull was pressing into her brain, causing Alison to have little-to-no control over the right side of her body. A surgery to correct the issue was successful, and Alison began her path to full recovery. Now 6 years old, Alison is a bubbly, healthy child who spends her time doing gymnastics, reading and creating arts and crafts.
Ryan
Like most parents expecting a child, Ryan Lewis’ parents were filled with excitement and hope for their baby boy’s impending arrival. But when Ryan was diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome—a congenital heart defect—their excitement quickly turned to worry and fear. He underwent two corrective surgeries—one at birth and another when he was 4 months old. But after battling the heart defect for the next three years, doctors at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta told Ryan’s parents that a heart transplant was their son’s only chance for survival. In August 2007, Ryan and his family received the news that a donor heart had become available. Ryan underwent surgery and has had very few complications with his new heart. Ryan is now a happy and thriving 4-year-old who loves nothing more than playing with his brothers.
Antwan
Fourteen-year-old Antwan “Twan” Watson-Robinson was diagnosed at a young age with asthma and severe allergies. For the past eight years, Twan has visited Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta for treatment and now receives immunotherapy injections in addition to his other medications to control his allergy symptoms. Without these treatments, Twan would likely experience severe breathing difficulties, leading to time in the Children’s Emergency department or even the Children's Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Despite his diagnoses, Twan is upbeat and quick to charm the doctors and nurses at Children’s. A member of the school band and a football player, Twan has not allowed his asthma or allergies to slow him down. Off the field he also excels in the talented and gifted program at his school and hopes to one day become a sports announcer.