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People who hear Michael Harrell’s story agree that he is a bona fide miracle child.
The story begins when he was only three years old and was diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome, a condition in which the kidneys are unable to process protein that results in severe swelling of the body. Doctors treated Michael with various medications, including chemotherapy.
But soon, there were episodes when Michael would lose consciousness. His doctors suspected low oxygen levels and Michael spent over a week in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit while Dr. Irazuzta was relentlessly seeking answers. His persistence paid off and he discovered that Michael suffered from low albumine levels and pulmonary embolus.
Then, one traumatic day, Michael Harrell’s heart stopped beating.
Staff worked on Michael for three hours, determined to save the little boy’s life. A prior loss in Michael’s family intensified their resolve. Dr. Irazuzta knew he needed to give Michael’s body a rest so he placed him on an ECMO machine that would be his heart and lungs until his own body could resume that function. A nurse and two ECMO specialists stayed round the clock at Michael’s side. Michael remained on the ECMO machine for more than a week. Doctors warned his family that might result in Michael having brain damage, but it was their only hope for saving him.
At one point, however, Michael was removed from the ECMO machine. And then the miracle! Michael began talking more, wanting to eat and to play games. Normal child stuff!
Pretty soon, Michael again amazed the doctors with his ability to read and speak. The miracle continued: after nearly a month of missing school, Michael was able to return to the classroom. Today, he maintains his place on the Honor Roll and has hopes of one day becoming a veterinarian. And although he still suffers from nephrotic syndrome, the swelling episodes are down and Michael is experiencing the life every child should be able to anticipate.
Michael and his family have high praises for the Wolfson staff for their unrelenting efforts to save his life. Michael’s laughter still echoes down the halls, somehow heard by the Wolfson staff who wouldn’t give up on this precious life. The laughter is part of the miracle! |
