Miracle Stories

Lauren Turner

Springfield, ILLINOIS

At just 7 years old, Lauren Turner of Springfield, Ill., was diagnosed with an illness that only one in two million in the United States suffers from. It’s called Moya-Moya syndrome, a disorder that affects the blood vessels in the brain. Despite her early diagnosis, Lauren suffered a complicating stroke the night of a bypass surgery aimed at relieving her symptoms. Instead, she underwent emergency surgery to remove the stroked portion of her brain. The stroke caused impaired use of her left arm, hand and leg as well as an uneven smile, loss of vision to her left side, and very low vision to the right.

Lauren was affected so suddenly with so many severe impairments that it was difficult to know where to begin therapy at St. John’s Children’s Hospital. And although she will continue with treatment, Lauren’s determination and spunky personality have helped her to look positively at the challenges in her life.

Lauren, now 11, is a shining example of a child who pushes herself to continue to improve her skills and become independent. A lover of music, painting, reading and crafts, she is a daily reminder to those around her that despite life’s challenges there are so many things in life to savor and enjoy.

Abrianna Andrews

Seneca, Missouri

Coming into the world two months early and having severe E. coli and strep-B infections at birth created enough challenges for Abriana Andrews of Seneca, Mo. Yet her most critical moment came two days after birth when she suddenly started seizing due to a Grade IV brain bleed, the most serious level there is. The bleed also led to hydrocephalus, a dangerous build-up of fluid on the brain.

The trauma Abriana, or “Abe” to those who love her, suffered so early in life led to a guarded prognosis at best. When she made it through the first week, then the second, she was already defying the odds. After two months in intensive care, Abriana went home.

“She has amazed me. She has simply amazed me,” said Dr. Michael Porte, a neonatologist who cared for Abriana as a newborn.

Though she has mild cerebral palsy, 7-year-old Abriana has shattered all expectations. Through ongoing physical and occupational therapy she has learnt to walk on her own and even dance. Abriana proudly performed in her first dance recital, grinning ear to ear through every moment of it.