Ambassadors

The East Tennessee Children’s Hospital Miracle Ambassador program connects our communities to our hospitals’ mission through sharing their personal journey. This group of current and former patients tell their story through various outlets including special events, print publications, social media and traditional media outlets such as newspapers, television or radio. These families are making a positive difference in the lives of other children, their families and our community every day.

	Colton Speedwell, Tennessee Colton was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia at age 3. He receives treatment at Children’s Hospital so that in his own words, “the good cells eat the bad cells.” He loves playing outside and says he wants to be a race car driver when he grows up.
	Cadence Knoxville, Tennessee Cadence was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at age 5, leaving her with chronic pain. Even though she visits Children’s Hospital frequently, this carefree singer loves riding horses and dreams of becoming a nurse.
	Bryan Knoxville, Tennessee Bryan was diagnosed with Sickle Cell anemia when he was just 3 weeks old. Because of his crescent-shaped blood cells, Bryan experiences chronic pain and receives frequent blood transfusions. Despite daily challenges, Bryan keeps an upbeat attitude and loves to play basketball.
	A.J. Knoxville, Tennessee When AJ was 4 years old, he was diagnosed with seven inoperable brain tumors. Thanks to the expert care he receives, AJ is able to battle the affects of his tumors while still enjoying sports, especially football.
	Wesley Athens, Tennessee Wesley was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis when he was just 2 weeks old. His daily routine includes 2 hours of respiratory therapy, playing soccer and encouraging others. He always has a joke to tell and a laugh to share.
	Madeline Knoxville, Tennessee Madeline was diagnosed with Turner syndrome at only 6 days old. Even though she has spent most of her life with doctors and specialists, this outgoing dancer dreams of becoming a Child Life specialist and helping kids like her get through tough illnesses.
	Sarah Maryville, Tennessee Sarah was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia at age 4 and underwent two and a half years of chemotherapy at Children’s Hospital. Today, she loves to ride horses and wants to be an equine therapist.
	Madeline Greenville, Tennessee Madeline “Gigi” was diagnosed with type B acute lymphoblastic leukemia at age 11. Although leukemia has put some physical restrictions on her, this inquisitive teen is eager to learn and dreams of becoming a forensic scientist.
	Audrey Sevierville, Tennessee Audrey was diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma at only 11 months old. Her cancer was widespread, which was not commonly seen in such a young child. Audrey began what would be two rounds of chemotherapy over the next year and a half. This year, Audrey will be celebrating her 12th birthday and 10 years off treatment!
	Brandon Pioneer, Tennessee Brandon was diagnosed with stage 4 Burkitt lymphoma at age 18 and is currently undergoing treatment at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital. He enjoys the outdoors, especially hunting and driving his dogs around. Brandon is passionate about helping others, and he loves an impromptu dance party.
	Carys Crab Orchard, Tennessee Carys was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease called ITP at age 12 and lupus at age 15. Even though she spent 4 months in the hospital, this outgoing teen dreams of becoming a pediatric rheumatologist. She wants to help others because “everything happens for a reason.”
	Logan Corryton, Tennessee Logan was diagnosed with Burkitts lymphoma at age 4. After regular chemotherapy treatments, Logan is now cancer-free and passionate about helping others. He is an active and competitive teen who loves basketball and baseball.
	Ava Knoxville, Tennessee Ava was diagnosed with Joubert syndrome, a rare disorder of brain development that affects many parts of the body, at age 3. Although she battles kidney and liver disease along with balance issues, Ava’s personality shines bright through her smile. She is very active and enjoys singing and dancing.
	Sarah (NICU) Knoxville, Tennessee Sarah was born 14 week prematurely and received care from the NICU at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital. She spent the first 4 months of her life in the NICU, as well as additional frequent visits due to complications of being premature. Some of Sarah’s favorite memories at the hospital include the staff playing dress up with her, and she considers them to be like family.
	Allison (Hydrocephalus) Knoxville, Tennessee Allison was diagnosed with hydrocephalus as a baby and received care from East Tennessee Children’s Hospital. While receiving treatment at the hospital, Allison found her love for medicine and patient advocacy. Now, at age 18 she enjoys participating in projects to benefit the hospital to help other kids like her.
	Braden (Type 1 Diabetes) Jefferson City, Tennessee Braden was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Hypothyroid, Type I Diabetes, at age 5. Although this is a battle he will have to fight for the rest of his life, this bright and observant teen still gets to enjoy hanging out with friends and playing baseball.
	Anna (Acute Myloid Leukemia/Thyroid Cancer) Knoxville, Tennessee Anna was diagnosed with AML Leukemia at age 10. After two years of treatment and the amazing care of the staff, Anna is now cancer free. One of Anna’s favorite memories at the hospital was having syringe water battles with her nurses.
	Rains (NICU/Cool Cap) Lenoir City, Tennessee Rains was treated in the NICU at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital after suffering a brain injury during birth. Thanks to the amazing care and state-of-the-art equipment like the Cool Cap used in those two weeks, he is now a happy, healthy little boy full of life and constantly on the go.
	Will (Diabetes) Maryville, Tennessee Will was diagnosed with Type I Diabetes at age 12. Although he will have to fight this battle for the rest of his life, he isn’t letting it slow him down. He looks forward to being old enough to get his driver’s license and loves anything with wheels.
	Charlotte "Charlie" (T Cell ALL Leukemia) Knoxville, Tennessee Charlotte (Charlie) was diagnosed with T Cell ALL Leukemia at age 4. Although she was going through frequent, rigorous treatment, she never lost her strength or faith. This courageous hero reached remission in March 2017 and says she hopes to be a pediatric oncology nurse just like the ones who helped her.
	Jordan (Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis/Celiac Disease/Pineal Cyst) Oak Ridge, Tennessee Jordan was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis as an infant, and later discovered she has an autoimmune disease and a thyroid disease in the 4th grade. This disease affected her jaw and prevented this cheerleader and pageant star from eating her favorite foods and smiling. But thanks to the amazing staff at the Hospital, Jordan is back living a full and happy life.