Lessons learned from “Miracle Molly”

This is part of a monthly series of "Miracle Memories", personal experiences shared by the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals staff. Julia Vinson, Pacific Regional Director, had the opportunity to see funds in action when she met Molly, a patient at a member hospital in her region. 

I recently visited our Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital in Salinas, Calif. Located in the central coast region of California, this bountiful stretch of land has the ideal climate and soil, where a large percentage of the nation's lettuces, broccoli, peppers and numerous other crops are grown. So much so that it is referred to as the "Salad Bowl of the World".

During my visit with Melissa Gross, Program Director for the Salinas Valley Hospital Foundation, she introduced me to Molly, now known as "Miracle Molly" as she was selected to be the 2014 Calif. Champion for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. Molly was born with cerebral palsy and has been a frequent visitor to Salinas Valley's Memorial’s emergency room and pediatrics unit. In 2010, her life was saved in the emergency room after a series of seizures and respiratory distress resulted in a "code blue."

Children's Miracle Network Hospitals funds helped pay for the pediatric crash cart that was used to save Molly’s life as well as a custom mobility tricycle she uses. Thanks to the excellent care she received, Molly is now a healthy, outgoing, larger than life 8 year old who loves camping, inner tubing and pedaling her bike right along with her parents and siblings.

 Hearing how donations impacted Molly's life was a great reminder of what makes my job with CMN Hospitals meaningful, every day. 

Learn more about Molly and meet our other 2014 Champions here.