Give-A-Thon Week

Addison (Addie), a vibrant child with a knack for medicine, spends a lot of time performing check-ups and surgeries on her stuffed bunny, Barbara. Addie knows a lot about check-ups and surgery. At just under 2 years old, she experienced a seizure that wouldn’t stop. She was airlifted to Phoenix Children’s where doctors diagnosed her with cavernous malformations in her brain and a brain bleed. Hear her and her family’s story during Give-A-Thon week.

In February 2023, Alicia and her family were involved in a serious car accident. Alicia sustained a severe traumatic brain injury, which resulted in complete immobility of the right side of her body. Alicia has had a challenging year after this life-altering accident. Although her schedule is full of therapies and doctors, Alicia remains upbeat. When she’s in the rehab gym, the whole team knows because of her contagious laugh. Tune in during Give-A-Thon week to hear her story.

When he was 8, Daniel’s parents noticed a lingering bump under his right knee and took him to see his pediatrician. Concerned with Daniel’s X-ray results, the doctor referred Daniel immediately to Phoenix Children’s, where he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma—a form of bone cancer. Daniel began chemotherapy immediately. During treatment, Daniel had one of his legs amputated due to complications, but was excited to complete his initial treatment in early 2022. The cancer returned, however, and Daniel lost his battle in 2023. During Give-A-Thon, you will hear from Daniel’s’ family, who will share his story of maturity, strength and bravery.

Originally from Cottonwood, Jaziel was an active kid who loved climbing trees and learning karate. He was only 8 when his life changed and he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a form of blood cancer. Jaziel was referred to Phoenix Children’s, where he underwent chemotherapy. After three years, he went into remission but later required a bone marrow transplant. His first transplant failed but a second transplant changed his life. Today, Jaziel has been cancer free for 10 years and recently achieved his dream of becoming a Phoenix Children’s oncology nurse. Listen in during Give-A-Thon and hear how he makes a difference for kids like himself.

At 14, Samantha was busy being a normal teenager when her life changed unexpectedly. She was admitted to Phoenix Children’s with severe abdominal pain and bleeding and diagnosed with a chronic inflammatory condition that affects her digestive system. Samantha ended up needing and receiving four blood transfusions and a total colectomy. She became very ill after surgery and was transferred to PCH’s Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. When she finally awoke in the PICU, Samantha found herself facing another harsh reality that further altered her life. You will hear from Samantha during Give-A-Thon week and learn more about how she found hope and healing through programs like Animal-Assisted Therapy.

Two days after her birth in December 2021, Vivian was transferred to Phoenix Children’s CVICU (Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit). This was during the COVID pandemic, and little Vivian had to undergo her first open-heart surgery at just 6 days old. After surgery, Vivian faced additional challenges post-surgery and had to have a second heart surgery in March of 2022. Since then, Vivian’s life has turned around. Today, she’s 2 and thriving, her parents say. Vivian loves to smile and enjoys playing with her older siblings, and you will also find her with her most prized possession—a special teddy bear with the same matching scar as her. Tune in to Give-A-Thon to meet this lively heart warrior and her family.