Patient Stories

#StoneStrong

In August of 2022, Sara woke up in the early morning to her dog barking across their house, only to find out that she was alerting her that something was wrong. Before Sara opened the door to either of her kids’ rooms, she could hear her 10-year-old son Stone wasn’t breathing normally.

Sara remembered, “I knew something was wrong but never in my wildest dream had I imagined my baby boy was, in fact, in a coma.”

She quickly realized they needed help and immediately called 911. As instructed, she performed CPR on Stone and prayed until an ambulance arrived to transport her son to the hospital. Within minutes of arriving at the emergency department (ED) at Children’s Hospital at Erlanger, Stone was intubated and put on a ventilator. After he gained enough stability to receive a CT scan, parents Sara and Scott learned that their son suffered from a ruptured aneurysm in his brain, causing two strokes.

“The first few hours in the ED were indescribable. We were scared, we were in shock, but we knew the Lord was in control, and some of the best medical staff we could have ever hoped for surrounded us,” said Sara.

Stone was admitted into the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at Children’s Hospital at Erlanger where he and his family stayed for over a month. On day 15 of his stay in the PICU, Stone received additional imaging of his brain. A CT scan revealed he suffered from a third stroke in his left parietal lobe, caused by vasospasms in his brain (a vasospasm occurs when a brain blood vessel narrows, blocking blood flow). Stone was given standard treatment for vasospasms, but unfortunately, was not responding well.

“This was like day one all over again. We were devastated and heartbroken. Our family, church, community, and medical staff rallied around us. Our team of Erlanger doctors and residents were on a mission to find a new treatment for Stone, as what we had been doing was the treatment typically used,” said Sara.

The medical staff began reaching out to other medical professionals to find answers and treatment options. One of the resident physicians learned about a small study where cardiac medication used to treat vasospasms and brought this study to Stone’s team.

“We, as a team, realized it was our only hope in stopping the spasms and, in turn, stopping the strokes and saving Stone’s life… and it worked!” said Sara.

Stone’s vasospasms cleared and he could now begin recovery. Due to the damage in Stone’s brain caused by several strokes and vasospasms, he lost nearly every function. Stone was unable to speak, eat, or open his eyes normally. Sara recalls that he could not support his own body, whether it was walking or using his hands. Stone had minimal ability to communicate and occasionally would use his eyebrows to “talk” to them.

Throughout his stay in the PICU, Stone was put back on a ventilator twice and came down with frequent neuro-fevers. “He had a drain coming out of his head and tubes and lines in every area of his precious body. He had daily x-rays and frequent scans of every other kind. He was about as sick as a child could be, but he was alive and we were thankful,” said Sara.

Despite Stone’s inability to communicate, the medical staff at Children’s Hospital at Erlanger fell in love with Stone. Even the staff that wasn’t assigned to his case would stop by to visit to get him to smile at their silly jokes or to share words of encouragement with his family.

The medical staff even allowed Stone’s twin sister, Sadie, to be part of the team that treated her brother. Sara recalls that Sadie was the reason Stone was taken off the ventilator for the first time. In order to be taken off, he had to wake up on command. No matter how hard the family and staff tried, it wasn’t until he heard his sister’s voice say, “Come on, Bubba. It’s time to wake up,” that he finally opened his eyes.

During their time in the PICU, Stone, Sadie, and their parents, gained an extended family. The staff at Children’s Hospital at Erlanger rallied around them since day one. They were together for the first time he woke up, the first word he spoke, and for every other miracle in between.

After six weeks of slow but steady progress, Stone was released from the hospital and moved to a rehabilitation facility to re-learn how to walk, speak, and eat on his own. His send-off from Children’s Hospital at Erlanger was filled with a parade of nurses, doctors, child life specialists, and lots of cheer.

Five months later, with the help of his twin sister Sadie and all of his friends, Stone returned to elementary school to complete the 5th grade. Stone is now a thriving middle school student who is involved in his school band and church and loves to hunt, fish, and play video games. “Stone is Stone again,” said Sara.

Professionals from Erlanger and other children’s hospitals in Tennessee and Georgia ruled Stone’s circumstances a medical anomaly – with a one-in-a-billion chance of it ever occurring in the first place and the same chance of him surviving at all.

“Children’s Hospital at Erlanger saved my son’s life. They jumped into action and cared for a one in a billion. They are forever part of our #StoneStrong story and our hearts,” said Sara.

At Children’s Hospital at Erlanger, we are dedicated to providing the highest level of care for our pediatric patients, and we believe having access to advanced medical equipment is essential. The PICU at Children’s Hospital at Erlanger is in need of two new bladder scanners for pediatric patients. For a young patient, the nature of these bladder scanners allows a pediatric urologist to diagnose, manage, and treat urinary dysfunction in a non-invasive way during what are often uncomfortable appointments.

We kindly ask for your support in acquiring new PICU equipment, like two pediatric bladder scanners, each costing $12,500, for a total of $25,000. We understand financial support comes in various sizes, so we have created different levels of giving. With your help, we only need 25 individuals willing to give at the $1,000 level, 50 individuals willing to give at the $500 level, or 100 individuals willing to give at the $250 level in order to reach our goal of funding new equipment, like the purchase of two pediatric bladder scanners. Will you join this effort by making your best gift today?

Any contribution you make, no matter the size, will have a significant impact on the healthcare of our region’s youngest patients.

Thank you for your thoughtful consideration in making a gift to support our region’s children this holiday season.

Alexander’s Story: The “Twice Born” Miracle

Before parents Peyton and Caleb even laid eyes on their baby boy, they were given a prenatal diagnosis that would shake their world. Their baby would be born with Spina Bifida. Peyton was sent to Houston, Texas, for open fetal surgery at 25 weeks pregnant. Open fetal surgery involves “delivering” the baby, operating on him, and then returning him to the womb to complete the pregnancy. Before returning to the area, the couple needed to make a plan with a local pediatric neurosurgeon who would begin seeing their baby once he was born.

On Halloween in 2018, Peyton and Caleb gave birth to their “twice born” miracle, named Alexander, at Erlanger. Alexander was born with the most serious type of Spina Bifida in which a sac of fluid comes through an opening in the baby's back leaving part of the spinal cord and nerves damaged. He was also born with a build-up of fluid within his brain, along with bilateral clubfeet and bilateral hip dysplasia among other health issues. Peyton and Caleb’s family of four was catapulted into an unfamiliar new reality with no road map to guide them, just the care and support of hospital staff they met along the way.

Two years later in October of 2020, Peyton and Caleb noticed that Alexander was extremely sluggish, so they decided to take him back to Children’s Hospital at Erlanger for medical tests. The MRI results showed inflammation in the cerebrospinal fluid of his brain. This diagnosis was the beginning of a 31-day fight like no other.

“We were told one-third of people with this condition pass away, one-third have long-term complications from the antibiotics, and one-third recover well” said Peyton, “I don’t think the severity of that statement sunk in until we were through it.”

Following the diagnosis, Alexander was given intravenous antibiotic injections for weeks, during which he was miserable due to constant pain and frequent vomiting. Even though the meningitis was clearing and he should have been getting better, he wasn’t. “He was spiraling and getting worse. We were stumped,” said Peyton.

Days later, Peyton noticed Alexander was acting like his friendly, outgoing self. However, she eventually found a fluid leak on her toddler’s back from an incision he received before birth. Alexander was admitted into the pediatric intensive care unit for a week in order to drain the cerebrospinal fluid until he was clear of meningitis. Little Alexander later went on to have surgery due to another cerebrospinal fluid leak.

Thus far, Alexander has undergone eight out of his nine surgeries at Children’s Hospital at Erlanger.

“We are eternally grateful for everyone that has had a hand in our child’s life and wellbeing. We would have lost him more than once if not for those who serve and love others,” said Peyton.

Throughout their journey, Alexander has pulled through with “sunshine and light beaming from his soul,” as his mother describes. Over the years, Alexander has made many friends within the hospital and never meets a stranger. Because of Alexander’s condition, his family has spent birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays with the caring staff at Children’s Hospital at Erlanger.

Peyton and Caleb are grateful to the Child Life staff for going above and beyond to make sure they feel loved and seen. They are also appreciative of Dr. Peter Boehm, Jr. for bringing relief to their son time and again. To Alexander and his parents, Children’s Hospital at Erlanger is more than a hospital – it’s a temporary home filled with family and support.

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, Alexander and other children facing medical emergencies are able to receive care close to home at the region’s only comprehensive pediatric hospital. With over 35 subspecialties, Children’s Hospital at Erlanger is able to care for the region’s smallest patients who have some of the most specific diagnoses, like Alexander.

“We have felt the impact donors have made,” said Peyton.

To be part of the local impact, please consider making a gift of any size today – it will help provide essential care to families in our region.

Judson’s Story: Three-Sport High School Athlete Wins Against Cancer

Judson was a healthy 15-year-old sophomore at East Hamilton High School when suddenly his life was changed. He was a three-sport athlete in the middle of wrestling season when a blood test related to acne medication revealed his platelets and white cell counts were low. Further blood tests revealed Judson's counts had dropped even further, which resulted in a referral to Dr. Avery Mixon at Children's Hospital at Erlanger. Judson and his family received the dreaded call learning he had been diagnosed with Leukemia.

His diagnosis came in January of 2021, only 37 days after his healthy 15-year-old checkup. The news was a shock to all, and his mom, Christie said he was the healthiest person she knew. Judson had zero symptoms other than a little fatigue and was ready to start the fight. The very next day, he had surgery in preparation to begin chemotherapy the following week.

Judson was in the hospital for the next five months, receiving four rounds of intense chemotherapy. Following each round of chemotherapy, he would be admitted for a month at a time or sometimes longer.

"We met so many wonderful nurses, doctors, and staff that took such good care of Judson. He would not be here without the excellent care that he received," said Christie. Judson has a Facebook page called ‘Judson Strong’ where Christie would post daily updates on how he was doing. She said it was therapeutic for her to write about his days in the hospital. "The love and support we were given was so amazing. I am forever grateful for the care Judson received at Children's Hospital at Erlanger."

Judson was receiving treatment during the Covid-19 pandemic, so his family had to be very careful not to bring in germs. He spent many long days in the hospital watching television, playing video games with friends online, and going for walks down the hall when he was feeling well enough.

The community rallied around Judson, with so many friends, family, and people they had never even met sending gifts and writing letters of encouragement. He received letters and postcards from every state and even some from other countries.

"During his time at Children's Hospital at Erlanger, Judson was such a trooper and never complained once about why he had cancer. He would even take time to talk to some of the younger patients in the hospital that were newly diagnosed and be of support to them," said Christie.

On July 22, 2021, Judson rang the bell signifying the end of his chemotherapy! He is now a healthy high school senior set to graduate early this December. After graduation, Judson plans to go to Southeastern Lineman Training Center to become a lineman.

Every September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we share Judson's story to remind you of the impact on families and the positive results from the quality care provided at Children's Hospital at Erlanger.

YOUR GIFT TODAY will support pediatric oncology right here at home and can help others, like Judson, receive lifesaving, compassionate care at the region’s only hospital specialized for children.

Dalton’s Story: 2023 Miracle Champion

Driving a child to and from school and to their various extracurricular activities is part of the normal routine for most parents.  But for Dustin McPherson and his six-year-old son Dalton, one afternoon became anything but normal when they were involved in a serious car accident.  Dalton was taken to the emergency room (ER) at Children’s Hospital at Erlanger (CHE) and Dustin was taken to the adjacent adult ER at Erlanger Baroness Hospital.  Fortunately, Dustin sustained minor injuries and was quickly released from the hospital.  When arriving at CHE’s ER, Dustin and his wife, Kim, learned that Dalton had been upgraded to a Level I Trauma patient and was being rushed for an emergency surgery to remove his appendix and stop internal bleeding in his abdomen.  

After the surgery, Dalton was placed in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). His parents learned that Dalton also sustained an injury to his back, which was broken in two different places with hairline fractures to the spine.  In order for Dalton’s spine to properly heal, the decision was made to surgically place rods and screws in his back.  This was devastating news because it meant Dalton would require numerous scans, x-rays, MRIs and sedation with each treatment. 

Heading to a bench outside, Kim left Dustin in the PICU with Dalton so she could process all of what was happening with her son.  Sitting with her head in her hands, she was surprised when Dalton’s surgeon, Dr. Dave Bhattacharya, pulled up and rolled his car window down to talk to her. 

“I never saw him coming,” said Kim.  “He stopped in the horseshoe driveway to reassure me that everything was okay and that they were doing their best for Dalton.  He did this because his compassionate heart saw a mom struggling, and he took the time to let me know it was okay. How amazing is that!”

Dalton received spine surgery; his recovery was painful and at times seemed unbearable. These were difficult times for the McPherson family, but after several weeks, Dalton was well enough to go home with frequent outpatient follow-up visits monitoring his recovery. 

A year after the accident, Dalton returned to Children’s Hospital at Erlanger for his final surgery to remove the hardware from his back. 

“Staying just 48 hours, we were treated with the same awesome service as we were when we stayed for the trauma visit,” stated Kim.  “We love all of the nurses and doctors who helped save Dalton’s life.  He is a walking testimony of how a great team can make the difference in life and death.” 

Today, Dalton McPherson is a thriving 11-year-old, full of life and a grateful heart. Every year on his birthday, instead of requesting gifts for himself, Dalton asks for toys to take to the patients in Children’s Hospital at Erlanger.

“Children’s is such an amazing place and here is the kicker….it doesn’t have to be.  That hospital is our only pediatric trauma option in the Chattanooga area.  Children’s Hospital at Erlanger chooses excellence.  They take time out to truly focus on family healing and understanding, and for that we are forever in debt.  Thank you for saving Dalton’s life and for all you do for the kids,” said Kim and Dustin.

Dalton sets the example of true philanthropy each year by sharing his birthday with the children at Erlanger. Please follow his lead in making a generous gift to help us save lives and change the future of our community. YOUR GIFT TODAY can help others receive life-saving, compassionate care at the only hospital in the region specialized for children.

Brewster’s Story

The next morning, April and James, Brewster’s parents, got confirmation that he indeed had leukemia.

“We grilled Dr. Mixon on everything from numbers, hospital capabilities, execution of plans and outcomes to whatever challenges we had in our path going forward as a family. After this conversation and speaking with others in the community, we felt confident Brewster would see the best care here in Chattanooga, and we promptly embarked on the treatment plan,” said April.

The chemotherapy started just one day after the diagnosis, followed by blood draws, IV fluids and a spinal tap just to get the ball rolling.

“While the treatment of childhood leukemia is, in many ways, a modern medicine success story, there are differing outcomes and challenges depending on the type of leukemia. The treatment plan regardless of type is grueling and daunting. The anxiety of not knowing exactly what we were dealing with was all-consuming. Staying here in Chattanooga was a huge help in keeping things as normal as possible for Brewster and Mari, Brewster’s little sister. For our family to be together and to have the support of our friends and neighbors who dropped off food and cards, and, best of all… Brewster’s favorite toy, LEGOS, all of this helped distract him from his treatments,” said James.

After three weeks of staying in the hospital through so many sleepless nights and intense treatments, Brewster was thrilled to go home for a bit of normalcy before continuing his healthcare journey of receiving weekly treatments.

Treatment for Brewster’s official diagnosis of Pre-B Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia has been going on for roughly 2.5 years and Brewster has been on many different treatment regimens including countless pulses of IV and spinal chemotherapy and steroids. The goal is to eradicate any leukemia cells that may still be hidden. During this time, it has not been all smooth sailing, with many visits back to Children’s Hospital at Erlanger ER and the oncology clinic.

“Just when we started to let our guard down, thinking that things were becoming more manageable, Brewster became suddenly very ill with a moderate, dry cough, full-body rash and a 103 fever. Fevers are particularly worrisome in immunocompromised kids with central line ports as they are more susceptible to blood infections that can turn into sepsis very rapidly. After a few days, Brewster’s fever broke. That day was a day to cherish. Brewster woke up and said, ‘Mommy, I feel normal today!’ With a little bit of LEGO building and kids squabbling good naturedly, a boring day can turn into the best day,” April said.

Throughout this long journey, Brewster was treated with topnotch medical care. With weeks of intense chemotherapy behind him, and a few more in the future. Brewster, who is now seven-years-old, can’t wait to ring the bell at Erlanger, signifying the end of his treatments with his family right there, cheering by his side.

Please consider making a gift that will help provide essential care locally for our smallest patients, like Brewster. Your generosity can make the difference in a sick child’s life.

A Skier’s Road to Recovery

“What was expected to be a fun family ski trip to West Virginia, quickly took a turn down a long painful road. On day two of our vacation, as my family and I were enjoying another beautiful day on the slopes, I lost complete control of my skis. Preparing myself to fall, my skis buried themselves into the snow causing my body to twist in the opposite direction of my skis. That’s when I immediately felt excruciating pain in my right leg, where my knee had snapped backwards.

Once I reached the mountain clinic, I experienced an extensive wait and found that resources were lacking. I only received a CAT scan, which showed I had a tibia plateau fracture. Leaving the clinic in a knee immobilizer, the doctor gave me instructions to see a doctor once I returned home to Chattanooga.

Once home, my husband and I met Dr. Bryce Cunningham and Richard Chapman, PA of Erlanger Orthopaedics. After reviewing my case and sharing my description that the break sounded like a tree branch snapping, we opted to move forward with knee surgery. I was thankful that they were able to get me scheduled quickly, which gave me less time to fret over it. From the moment I arrived for surgery to the moment I was put under anesthesia, the staff exuded such gentleness and kindness that they eased my anxiety and stress. Once in surgery, the surgeons realized my injury was much more complex. The first assessment of having a fractured tibia plateau was correct, but I had also torn my MCL, ACL, and lateral meniscus.

During recovery, the nurses never left my side, making sure I had everything I needed. Besides the pain, I also got sick from the anesthesia. The nurses did everything possible to make me comfortable. I stayed at Erlanger for four days, which was the most comfortable experience I believe I could have had. Every nurse went above and beyond. Even my physical therapist sat with me and prayed. I felt like every doctor, nurse, and physical therapist genuinely cared about my healing and the path to recovery ahead.

Now, two years after my injury, I can say I am stronger than ever. My success was made possible by the amazing staff at Erlanger.”  - Vanessa Turner

Mrs. Turner was able to receive the very best healthcare available anywhere, but here in her home town, thanks to the incredible staff at Erlanger and the resources made possible by the generosity of our donors. Please consider making a gift that will help make a difference in the lives of our patients and to provide the highest level of healthcare possible here close to home.

 Brooklyn’s Story: The Best Healthcare Right in Our Hometown

Upon arriving at the beach for a family vacation, the first thing we all want to do is put our feet in the sand. When 6-year-old Brooklyn arrived at the beach, she was feeling so sick she told her mom that she needed to go to the hospital. In the span of minutes, the family went from kicking off a vacation to admitting their daughter into a Florida hospital.

Scared to think what might be going on with her sweet, active little girl, Brooklyn’s mom, Chrissy, was shocked to hear the doctor’s report after seeing her CT scan. The pain Brooklyn was having was caused by a condition called Typhlitis, an inflammation of the intestine caused by a weakened immune system. Even more traumatic, they were also met with the word “cancer,” Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia more specifically.

Chrissy was told that Brooklyn needed to be airlifted to Shand’s Children’s Hospital in Gainesville, Florida. While her daughter was being whisked away, Chrissy drove in a panic, four and a half hours to be with her daughter. The medical team started Brooklyn immediately on chemo and additional medications to help with her infection. Once stabilized with a care plan in place, Brooklyn stayed with her mom to receive her initial round of chemotherapy. As they both settled into this new routine, hours away from home, they had an unexpected setback when Brooklyn doubled over in pain. An ultrasound showed she was in septic shock due to a perforation in her colon requiring an immediate surgery.

After multiple weeks in Florida away from her family, Brooklyn was finally able to return home to Chattanooga where her team of pediatric doctors at Children’s Hospital at Erlanger took over her care. Brooklyn carries on daily with an ileostomy bag, and deals with going to school via Zoom as a First Grader at Belvoir Christian Academy. Every week, Brooklyn shows up with an upbeat, positive attitude, to undergo hours of chemotherapy. Luckily, now that she is being treated here at Children’s, she gets be surrounded by all of her favorite books, as she loves to read, sleep in her own bed and spend time with her family. In a few months, the plan is for her to get a reversal of her ileostomy and to be able to “ring the bell” signifying her last round of her chemo treatment.

Brooklyn is able to receive the very best that healthcare has to offer right here in her home town thanks to donors like you. Please consider making a gift that will help provide essential care locally for our smallest patients, like Brooklyn. Your generosity can make the difference in a sick child’s life.