Wight2.mov

Michael and Mackenzie Wight are Children's Specialized Hospital's nominees for Children's Miracle Network Champions Across America 2010.

Michael and Mackenzie were both in a terrible car accident with their grandmother during the Summer of 2006 resulting in traumatic brain injuries. Their grandmother did not survive.

Mackenzies brain injury was less severe; which allowed her to be taken off the ventilator the day after the accident. Michael suffered a much more severe brain injury known as a sheering injury which severs the nerve axons in the brain resulting in significant deficits in neurologic and motor functions.

Mackenzie was transferred to Childrens Specialized Hospital for her recovery and Michael joined her a week later. Mackenzie had some paralysis on the right side of her body. Her therapists successfully worked with her to regain the use of her right side. Today Mackenzie is playing lacrosse competitively and swimming regularly.

Michael was still in a coma when he arrived at Childrens Specialized Hospital. The Child Life team helped Mackenzie understand what had happened to her brother and the changes her family would need to make through recreational therapy.

Michael had a long recovery as an inpatient at Childrens Specialized Hospital. Our physical, occupational, speech and cognitive therapists and physicians and nurses worked diligently to get Michael breathing on his own and to regain the use of some motor function. Michael was discharged from Childrens Specialized Hospital in December and is now an out patient at our Toms River facility. He uses his walker at his physical and occupational therapy sessions three times a week.

The entire Wight family are champions already in our book, due to their courage, strength and the love that had held them together.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• Children's Miracle Network

[CPMackenzie]

Lookin back

[jmeriney]

Congratulations Mackenzie and Michael for being the CMN Champions!! You guys are amazing : )

[Kenzie317]

happy to be a chapion!

Love,

Mackenzie + Michael

[NicoleWg9]

For any interested, the kids were named the Champions for NJ for 2010! Wish them luck on a new chapter in their lives! <3

[rayseakan10]

ive done the challenger at brick and it was really fun to help all the kids and your son

[NicoleWg9]

Thanks, guys!!! <3

[kTGoo]

Love you guys!!! Keep up your strength! You've come so far!

<3 "Aunt" Katie

[tracyzabelle]

Good luck Niki to you and your family.. you have all ovrcome so much and come so far,

TracyZ