Children's Miracle Network to be
broadcast June 2 from student center
Despite his premature birth, Brandon Peek weighed a healthy 7 pounds
and 12 ounces after a normal delivery in 1994. “At first, it seemed he was OK. But within a very short period of time he became extremely ill,” said Debbie Peek, Brandon’s mother. “MUSC was contacted and they sent a Meducare ambulance team to pick him up. We got to MUSC and many, many tests were run to determine the problem. Brandon was in severe respiratory failure.”
Debi Chard talks to
Brandon Peek during last year's Children's Miracle Network. With
Brandon is his brother, Curtis.Brandon became a patient of the Children’s Hospital, and because of life-saving treatment, the Ridgeville resident has grown to enjoy his youth as a student at Alston Middle School.
On Saturday, June 2, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., the Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) will air its annual broadcast from the MUSC Harper Student Center to raise funds for the Department of Pediatrics at the MUSC Children’s Hospital. This is Children’s Hospital’s 24th CMN broadcast. The event will air on WCSC TV-Channel 5 and include on-air celebrities Bill Sharpe and Debi Chard. That afternoon, 2007 South Carolina Ambassador to Children’s Miracle Network Peek, 13, will serve as co-host.
Thirteen years ago, Peek was diagnosed through blood work with Group B Strep, and within hours of his arrival had to be placed on ECMO. “Thank God for ECMO (heart and lung bypass machine)! This equipment was only available at MUSC in the Children’s Hospital and it allowed Brandon’s heart and lungs to rest while his body was healing,” Debbie said. “What a blessing to have a first class Children’s Hospital within an hour of our home. We had always been supporters, but in a monetary sense. This process started our more intimate relationship with MUSC.”
Debbie raved about the staff during the time of Peek’s hospitalization, recalling the many times she has relived that frightening time and pondered what she would have done without such a dedicated hospital staff. “I felt support from the nurses, doctors and anyone we encountered there. On the first day, from the moment I met someone with the Meducare Team, I felt their compassion and the hope that they too felt for Brandon’s life. There was always an encouraging word or an offer for help with something that maybe only moms think about. I could catch a few hours of sleep and know that Brandon was being carefully watched in the NICU.”
As the years have passed, Debbie said the unwavering support has remained for her son during his subsequent hospitalizations or clinic visits. “We have an extended family at the hospital. Many folks have gone and still go the extra mile with Brandon. We have a deep debt of gratitude to everyone there,” she said.
Brandon has become a dedicated advocate for the Children’s Hospital, and as this year’s ambassador, visited with President George W. Bush to gain further support for children’s health care issues and research. “Working with CMN is an awesome experience. I am really helping to raise the money they need,” he said. “I went to a groundbreak-ing ceremony for the Children’s Miracle House. I am going to be on the telethon and help on Saturday. I went on a trip to Washington and to Disney World. I am going to help Wal-Mart and Publix raise money, as well. I am very excited about the telethon on Saturday. I might get to see Debi Chard!”
During the broadcast, MUSC pediatric patients and their families will share miracle stories about beating the odds against illnesses such as cancer, cystic fibrosis, sickle cell, heart and lung diseases, birth defects, and severe trauma from accidents; physicians and practitioners will share information on the many specialties available to children at Children’s’ Hospital; and viewers will have an opportunity to learn more about the incredible discoveries being made at MUSC to improve the health care and treatment of children. Visitors are welcome during the broadcast.
To make a pledge during the broadcast, viewers may call 1-800-478-4090 to make a donation on this day or 792-2624 for more information. Pledges may also be made online at http://www.musckids.com. To become a Miracle Maker, donors must pledge $15 per month for one year and will receive an MUSC T-shirt. One-time donations are also appreciated. CMN will accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, check or cash.
“Maybe if we raise enough money other babies won’t have to be sick. I know that lots of money buys a lot of things for the hospital and they can do research to find cures,” Brandon said. Debbie echoed her son’s hope for the money that could benefit MUSC Children’s Hospital. “I just hope that all the folks in the Lowcountry open their hearts and give from the heart during the upcoming telethon. Sometimes it takes a tragedy to make things really hit home, and we hope that never has to happen to anyone else. If the funds can come in, the research can continue, and more and more equipment can be developed along with cures for many more things. Then, as Brandon said, ‘the next baby might not have the difficulties I have and they can get to it quicker.’”
All proceeds generated from the broadcast will allow MUSC to continue to serve children with the best care possible by supporting individual departments, including the Child Life program and The Darby Children’s Research Institute. With world-renowned pediatric physicians and research in the prevention and treatment of childhood diseases, MUSC is one of the most respected pediatric health care centers in the nation, earning top rankings from U.S. News & World Report, American Health Magazine, Child Magazine and The Best Doctors in America. During the past 24 years, the broadcast has raised approximately $8 million. CMN is an international, non-profit organization dedicated to raising funds and awareness for 170 children’s hospitals in the U.S. and Canada.
Friday, June 1, 2007
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