Running as a Miracle Maker for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals

It brings me so much joy and pride to fundraise for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals as a Miracle Maker during Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend. My inspiration for participating in the Disney Fairy Tale Challenge is my son Jacob who is profoundly deaf and is a bilateral cochlear implant recipient from Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg, FL. I'm very proud to run as a Miracle Maker on race day.

Jacob was born at 35 weeks, along with his twin brother Luca. After a short NICU stay at our local hospital, he was discharged with a failed hearing screen test. More than a year after formal testing at our local healthcare provider, he was referred to the specialists at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital.

In January 2015, the team at All Children’s diagnosed Jacob with profound sensorineural hearing loss in both ears; Jacob was deaf. In 2017, Jacob underwent two cochlear implant surgeries, which were a success! Cochlear Implants are specialized medical devices that allow Jacob to have access to sound. We have been under the care of a CMN Hospital since 2015. The dedicated team at ACH has been so wonderful and has guided us during some uncharted territory for our family. Simply put, we wouldn’t be where we are without them. Jacob is listening, hearing, and is talking up a storm! As the parent of a child with medical needs, and a registered nurse myself, I am truly impressed with our local CMN Hospital.

In 2015, a family friend sent me a link to join the Miracle Makers. I felt the calling to give back and fundraise for this charity so that children may always have access to high-quality care. In 2016, I ran solo. But last year, I encouraged two friends to fundraise with the Miracle Makers. This year, there will be seven of us coming from Southwest Florida who are proud Miracle Makers. I am so thankful for all the runners who dedicate their sweat and tears to raise funds for these children and families. The vision of CMN Hospitals is simple: Together We Save Lives. And I really believe that is why I run.

Christina Carranza is a Miracle Maker for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, the celebrated charity and presenting sponsor of Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend.