Summer 2008 - Arkansas Children's Hospital

Hannah Harris, 10,BentonAll StarsJakeFontenotJakob “Jake” Fontenot, 4,TexarkanaWhen Jake was born, his doctors wereconcerned that he was so pale. Follow-uptests soon diagnosed him with congenitalheart disease, and Jake was immediatelysent to ACH. Once there, doctorsinformed Jake’s parents he had been bornwith seven heart defects. After undergoinghis first surgery at 5 days old, Jake spent severaldays in the cardiovascular intensive care unit(CVICU). He has had additional successfulsurgeries at 5 months and 4 years old. Hisparents describe him as a very active boy, a “scrapper.”HannerHallHanner Hall, 5,Lake CityOne day in 2003, two-year-old Hanner actedsluggish and tired. That night, he beganwheezing while trying to sleep. Concerned,his parents took him to a children’s clinic.As his oxygen levels continued to drop andhis breathing worsened, doctors decided tosend Hanner to ACH. Over the nextfew days, Hanner, who was diagnosedwith staph pneumonia, had four chest tubesplaced in his right lung, and had as many as 15pumps simultaneously supporting him. AsHanner’s condition improved, he began physicaland speech therapy because he had not walked or talked for anentire month. After several check-ups at ACH, Hanner wasreleased by his physicians. Even though he no longer visits thehospital, he does take breathing treatments twice a day in thewinter and speech therapy three times a week. Hanner is now abundle of energy who loves playing soccer and T-ball.Doyou know anACH Ambassador?ACH Ambassador participants are chosen by acommittee at ACH and begin their year of servicein the spring. If you are interested in nominatingyour family or a family you know, please call501-364-1476 or email achfdn@archildrens.orgfor more information.On July 4, 2007, Hannah was excited toride a brand new all-terrain vehicle (ATV).Hannah, being inexperienced, lost controlof the ATV, which flipped and landed ontop of her. When Hannah arrived at ACH,her upper lip was split in half, her nose was broken andshe had several deep lacerations on her face and knees.She had a bruise on her abdomen and was missing herfront two teeth. Emergency room staff immediately repairedHannah’s lip and other lacerations and she had to have a CT scan ofher abdomen to ensure there were no internal injuries. Hannah wasreleased from the hospital two days after her accident. She returnedto ACH the following week to have her broken nose repaired andstill visits for follow-up care. Hannah enjoys dancing, listening tomusic and hanging out with friends.Neelie Hight, 6, RogersHannahHarrisNeelieHightWhen Neelie was 4, she became ill with what herparents thought was a stomach virus. Neelie’s momtook her to the doctor, who ran tests to make sureshe did not have anything more serious. Neelie’sparents received a call the next night from thedoctor, instructing them to get Neelie to ACHimmediately for a blood transfusion. The oxygenlevels in her blood were critically low and sheneeded urgent help. When they arrived at ACH,Neelie received a blood transfusion, and doctorsdiagnosed her with spherocytosis, a geneticdisease of the blood. Because there is no cure forspherocytosis, Neelie’s blood oxygen levels mustbe tested quarterly. If her oxygen levels fall below a certain number,Neelie will have to return to ACH for another transfusion. Neeliedoes not let her illness stop her from being a bubbly and funny girlwho loves to play dress up and make people laugh.Maegan Jo Mackenzie Householder, 3,HarrisburgIn 2004, Maegan was born with a severe bilateral cleft lip and palate.Maegan’s pediatrician referred her to ACH, wherehundreds of children suffering from cleft lips andpalates receive care and treatment each year.Maegan had her first of five surgeries, to beginrepairing her lip, two months later. To fullyrepair the cleft lip and palate, Maegan willcontinue to have procedures until she is closeto adulthood. Maegan has not let her surgerieskeep her from enjoying life. She is a verybright, happy child who loves being on stageand competing in pageants.MaeganHouseholder5