Meet the ‘Miracle Kids’of 2023, 2024
Last Thursday, the lobby at Royal Credit Union in Colby got a little messy after branch manager Kimberly Reineke agreed to get not one, but two, pies in the face.
Reineke agreed to get the whip cream facial as an incentive for RCU’s patrons and other community members to raise $1,000 for the Children’s Miracle Network’s Share-A-Bear program.
Share-a-Bear allows people to sponsor a stuffed animal for children who are in the hospital due to chronic illness or injury. Thanks to the donors, kids at Marshfield Children’s Hospital will enjoy the furry companions while staying at the hospital.
RCU raised $700 last year in honor of Michael Fleury of Colby, who has had numerous health issues since birth. This year, RCU decided to up the ante to $1,000 as their goal.
The following are the stories of CMN’s Miracle Kids from 2023 and 2024.
Emmet and Arianna
Although they are seven years apart, Arianna and Emmet’s journeys with spina bifida began the same – during the very first ultrasound their mother received.
When they were born, they both would receive the same surgery to guide their spinal cord into place and close their spinal columns.
Quickly, they were introduced to many pediatric speciality departments, including urology, neurology, physical medicine, orthopedics, GI, endocrinology, physical and occupational therapy and speech. They were invited into a speciality clinic that allowed all of the specialists to meet in one location and develop their medical plans collaboratively.
These care teams became an integral part of their lives, which was especially helpful when Arianna’s brother would require much of the same care – and more.
As Arianna got older, she was faced with another challenge, scoliosis. Typical treatments were unable to control Arianna’s scoliosis and she eventually underwent spinal surgery to fuse 13 vertebrae.
Arianna came out of that surgery and still managed to see the silver lining: she was now an inch taller, no longer had to wear a body brace 24/7, and was able to wear normal clothes again.
Emmet’s diagnosis is more severe, as he cannot feel or control his legs below his knees. Since birth, he has required additional interventions for his bowel and bladder. He also has dislocated hips, which have contributed to challenges with gross motor skills and thus far, he has received four corrective surgeries. Emmet needed a hip spica cast after each surgery, which proved to be exceptionally challenging with his bowel regimen.
On top of various other complications related to his spina bifida, including speech development issues and continued bowel and bladder dysfunction, Emmet experienced a seizure in 2021. After his third seizure Emmet was diagnosed with epilepsy and has been on medication that has kept him seizure-free.
Arianna is currently in maintenance mode but requires follow-up appointments with her specialists. Emmet will continue to require speciality care and treatment but is doing better with each visit.
The strength and positivity that these siblings have allows them to do all of the things they love most – enjoying time together, with their family and friends.
Michael Fleury
Michael Fleury’s medical journey began as quickly as he entered the world. At just three days old, Michael underwent his first surgery for a shunt placement and a second surgery for a colostomy.
Since then, Michael has had numerous stays at Marshfield Children’s Hospital. However, one thing remains the same: the care Michael receives is beyond what he and his family could have ever hoped.
Child Life specialists at Marshfield Children’s Hospital have helped make Michael’s time in the hospital a little easier and Michael adores his Child Life specialists, spending time together and their consideration of him as they always have his favorite items and activities ready for him.
However, their compassion goes beyond their patients; the Child Life team affect the family experience at Marshfield Children’s Hospital too. Child Life specialists have brought peace and comfort to Michael’s parents over the years.
Michael is funny, sweet and caring. He is larger-than-life and shares his love with everyone he meets. Whatever Michael decides to do as he grows, he will do it with a smile!
WORTH EVERY PENNY - From left to right is Emmet Brill, his sisters Allie and Arianna, Michael Fleury, his brother, Matthew, and Kimberly Reineke, branch manager of the Royal Credit Union in Colby. RCU donated $1,000 to the Children’s Miracle Network for its Share-A-Bear program, which provides stuffed animals to kids staying at Marshfield Childrens Hospital.
STAFF PHOTO/KEVIN O’BRIEN
