MEET 2024 NATIONAL CHAMPION NOLAN

Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals proudly introduces its newest cohort of National Champions, a group of extraordinary ambassadors dedicated to raising awareness about the critical need for charitable donations to support pediatric healthcare. These inspirational children and their families hail from diverse backgrounds and represent various member hospitals across the U.S. Each Champion’s unique journey exemplifies the profound impact of donations on their lives, underscoring the urgent need to support Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

Meet Nolan:

At the age of three, Nolan’s mom noticed something strange in his eye during play time. By the end of the week, Nolan was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, a form of cancer that develops in the retina. Doctors concluded Nolan was likely born with a microscopic tumor undetectable to the naked eye. To remove the tumor in its entirety, Nolan’s left eye was surgically removed just two weeks after seeing the specialist. Immediately following the surgery, an orbital implant was placed to keep Nolan’s eye muscles in shape while he healed. Eight weeks after surgery, Nolan was fitted for a prosthetic eye, his superhero eye, as he likes to call it. In August of that year, Nolan started chemotherapy at CHRISTUS Children’s. He completed his treatment just in time for his fourth birthday and celebrated by ringing the bell, marking the completion of six months of chemotherapy. Today, Nolan loves reading and hanging out with his little brother. He enjoys playing baseball, doing karate and is still partial to superheroes. Although Nolan is cancer-free, he enjoys going to his six-month check-ups at the “big hospital” and seeing his friends in the Child Life Zone.  

Thanks to donations, CHRISTUS Children’s is able to fund surgical innovation and cancer care, both of which have been instrumental in Nolan’s treatment.  

Meet all the 2024 National Champions.