Each year, Children's Miracle Network Hospitals and TMC Health work together to identify a "champion" in our local community to serve as the face for children treated at TMC for Children. This ambassador spends their year advocating for the charitable needs of children's hospitals across the U.S. This year, TMC Health is honored to introduce Miles Deering.

Miles's Story

When Miles was only a few weeks old, he was diagnosed with a condition called Hirschsprung's disease, which led to his first surgery to remove a portion of his colon. Miles was closely monitored by the TMC for Children medical staff to ensure he was growing properly, but at the age of 5, he needed to be admitted for another round of corrective surgeries.

With the help of Dr. Papic and the TMC for Children Pediatric Gastroenterology team, Miles spent days at a time in the pediatric unit during a 6-month period to receive these life-changing surgeries. Although this may seem like a lot of time for a kid to be cooped up, Miles had a great time making friends with the Child Life team, playing with his Nintendo Switch and having "scavenger hunts" with one of our amazing Child Life specialists, Jenna! Miles still manages his disease on a daily basis, but with a supportive family and helpful staff during these long hospital stays, Miles always says the least favorite part is saying goodbye.

Be sure to follow along with Miles and his adventures this year on our Facebook pages (@TMCFoundation and @TMCforChildren) and Instagram (@tmcchild)

About Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals

Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals® raises funds and awareness for 170 member hospitals that provide 32 million treatments each year to kids across the U.S. and Canada. Donations stay local to fund critical treatments and healthcare services, pediatric medical equipment and charitable care.  Since 1983, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals has raised more than $5 billion, most of it $1 at a time through the charity’s Miracle Balloon icon. Its various fundraising partners and programs support the nonprofit’s mission to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible. Find out why TMC for Children needs community support and learn how you can Put Your Money Where the Miracles Are, at CMNHospitals.org and facebook.com/CMNHospitals.