Jessica was born into the world eight weeks premature. Shortly after her birth, she was diagnosed with an intra-ventricular hemorrhage in her brain.
Intra-ventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is a type of bleeding from the fragile blood vessels in the brain. These blood vessels are especially fragile in premature infants. In the worst cases of bleeding, the blood may leak into the brain tissue. The hemorrhages also can cause blood clots that can block the circulation system for the cerebrospinal fluid. This blockage is called hydrocephalus.
Unfortunately, Jessica did develop hydrocephalus and she needed to come to Shands Children’s Hospital at the University of Florida in Gainesville to be treated by the some of the top neurosurgeons in the nation. The UF surgeons and team of UF physicians that provided expert care for Jessica scheduled surgery for her. She had surgery to place a permanent shunt in her brain to relieve the fluid and keep the pressure in her brain under control. The surgery was a success.
Today, Jessica is a vivacious young girl. She loves to swim and ride her bike, but most of all she loves looking at life with a positive attitude.
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3.24.2010
Tallahassee Blues and BBQ
Please join the Tallahassee Special Events Committee in the fourth annual Legislative Session Blues and BBQ on March 24 in downtown Tallahassee on the Kleman Plaza Green. Down home Southern BBQ will be served up while attendees are entertained by the smooth blues sounds of Randall "Big Daddy" Webster. Tickets are $40 per person and all proceeds benefit Children's Miracle Network at Shands Children's Hospital at the University of Florida.
Learn More
Tallahassee Blues and BBQ
Please join the Tallahassee Special Events Committee in the fourth annual Legislative Session Blues and BBQ on March 24 in downtown Tallahassee on the Kleman Plaza Green. Down home Southern BBQ will be served up while attendees are entertained by the smooth blues sounds of Randall "Big Daddy" Webster. Tickets are $40 per person and all proceeds benefit Children's Miracle Network at Shands Children's Hospital at the University of Florida.
Learn More
3.27.2010
Culinary Combat
This year, the 2009 champion Chef Rick Alabaugh, will be taking on two of North Central Florida’s best challengers on March 27 from 6-10 pm. Proceeds will go to benefit Children's Miracle Network. The secret ingredient will be revealed to each chef in a 15-minute stagger start. Each chef will then have one hour to complete a three course meal, consisting of an appetizer, entrée and desert, with all dishes utilizing the secret ingredient. The competition will be broadcast throughout the venue on closed circuit television in real time.
Learn More
Culinary Combat
This year, the 2009 champion Chef Rick Alabaugh, will be taking on two of North Central Florida’s best challengers on March 27 from 6-10 pm. Proceeds will go to benefit Children's Miracle Network. The secret ingredient will be revealed to each chef in a 15-minute stagger start. Each chef will then have one hour to complete a three course meal, consisting of an appetizer, entrée and desert, with all dishes utilizing the secret ingredient. The competition will be broadcast throughout the venue on closed circuit television in real time.
Learn More
4.10.2010 – 4.11.2010
Dance Marathon at UF
Dance Marathon at the University of Florida is an annual 26.2-hour event benefiting the patients of Shands Children's Hospital at the University of Florida. Each year, more than 600 students stay awake and on their feet at to raise money and awareness for Children's Miracle Network. In the 15 years of Dance Marathon at UF's existence, more than $3.2 million has been donated making us the largest and most successful student-run philanthropy in the Southeastern United States.
Learn More
Dance Marathon at UF
Dance Marathon at the University of Florida is an annual 26.2-hour event benefiting the patients of Shands Children's Hospital at the University of Florida. Each year, more than 600 students stay awake and on their feet at to raise money and awareness for Children's Miracle Network. In the 15 years of Dance Marathon at UF's existence, more than $3.2 million has been donated making us the largest and most successful student-run philanthropy in the Southeastern United States.
Learn More
