Since being diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at three months old, Mikayla has been a frequent patient at Akron Children’s Hospital. When she was younger, Mikayla stayed at the hospital once a year for two weeks at a time for her treatments. Now 17-years-old, she continues to come to Akron Children’s for treatment and is thriving. She’s looking forward to the next chapter in her life: college.

About Miracle Children
Miracle Children are nominated by Hospital staff for the compelling story of how they or their parents handle the adversity of a disease, illness or injury. The child's personality, strengths, attitude and ability to make a difference in his/her daily life and the lives of others are considered when choosing these very special children.

About Akron Children's Hospital
Akron Children's Hospital cares for about 500,000 patients each year and performs more pediatric surgeries than any other hospital in northeast Ohio. Children's operates a 253-bed pediatric hospital in downtown Akron, housing a regional burn center for both adults and children, a pediatric trauma center, regional neonatal and pediatric intensive care units and more than 30 clinical specialties. Children's also operates the Beeghly Campus in Boardman, a free-standing children's hospital with a 32-bed inpatient unit. In addition, services are provided at 68 other locations throughout the region, including 25 Children's campuses and 43 partner facilities.

In addition, more than 100 advocacy, education, outreach and research programs are provided to children and their families. Akron Children's Hospital has earned the Gold Seal of Approval from the Joint Commission and Magnet Recognition Status from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. In 2008, Children's became one of the founding members of the BioInnovation Institute in Akron, a unique collaboration of research, education and health institutions designed to pioneer the next generation of life-enhancing and life-saving innovations. For more information, visit www.akronchildrens.org.