Meet Mighty McKenna, the New Local Champion for CMN Jacksonville
ABOUT McKENNA
Age: 3
Favorite color: Purple
Favorite cartoon: Mickey Mouse
When I grow up I want to: change the way the world views people with different abilities.
The worst part about being in the hospital is: not being able to play with my siblings (I have 1 brother and 3 sisters) and all the noise.
One thing I like about the hospital is: the staff – they are always so kind and do their best to take care of me.
Why is it important to support Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals? “Supporting CMN is important because medicine is constantly changing. New technology is being discovered and funding is needed to purchase the latest & greatest equipment to help save children’s lives.” – Melissa, McKenna’s Miracle Mom
McKENNA’S MIRACLE STORY
CMN Hospitals Jax is excited to announce Miracle Child, McKenna has been named 2020 Local Champion for our market! Throughout the year McKenna will be visiting various partners to share her story and connect our hospitals with the community.
McKenna was born with Trisomy 21, a genetic condition caused by rocking an extra chromosome. At just two days old, her parents learned she also had a congenital heart defect as well as issues with her esophagus. The upper part of McKenna’s esophagus was not connected with the lower esophagus and stomach. Additionally, she had an abnormal connection between the upper part of the esophagus and her windpipe.
She had her first surgery to connect the esophagus at just five days old, and 20 more surgeries followed. At three years old she had her first open-heart surgery to correct her heart defect. Today McKenna receives ongoing treatment and care from 14 pediatric specialists at her local CMN Hospitals. Through the obstacles she has faced, McKenna continues to show her resilience and always has a smile on her face.