Take the Lead: When we understand their today, we can change their tomorrow

Take the Lead is a blog series from Teri Nestel, president and CEO of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. In this leadership-focused series, Teri will share her insights and leadership lessons alike.

Making the lives of children better is at the center of everything we do. Our collective future hinges on their capabilities and their well-being. And a strong foundation for their tomorrow needs to start today.

Meet Jorden. He’s eight years old, lives in upstate New York, and nearly died after contracting a rare, and serious heart and lung condition associated with COVID-19. Here is his story.

Jorden spent 28 days in Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital receiving specialized treatments and procedures to heal his heart and lungs. Thankfully, the treatments were successful and from there he moved on to a rehabilitation center where he re-learned to eat and regained his strength.

The specialized equipment and care that allowed Jorden to recover – the ventilator, the ECMO machine, the rehabilitation – are very costly for children’s hospitals. They are among the areas where philanthropy dollars are needed most.

Jorden, whose caregivers fittingly call him a “fighter,” is doing well and is sharing his story as an ambassador for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, helping to raise vital funds for member hospitals such as the one that saved his life.  He’s one of our 11 National Champions in 2022. More to come on that soon!