Meet 2021 Champion Joella
Meet the 2021 Miracle Child Champion for Penn State Children’s Hospital, Joella Migliori from Lewisberry. In her champion role, Joella will share her remarkable story far and wide. When she was born, Joella was diagnosed with VACTERL Association and a congenital heart defect. Her mom Janette describes VACTERL Association as “having multiple conditions that aren’t normally seen together.” Joella had 15 surgeries before she was six months old and continues to need the services of Penn State Children’s Hospital including physical therapy, speech therapy, and vision services for her low vision. She also has a feeding tube.
Today, Joella is doing well although she has to be extra careful due to COVID-19. When we asked her what she wants to do one day soon she said “#Icantwait for indoor activities like hockey games.”
#CMNHershey purchased the pediatric ambulance that transported Joella to the hospital. Her medical journey continued with the support of
Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals funded machines used during one of her open-heart surgeries. Children’s Miracle Network also supports the Child Life and Music Therapy programs, which have helped Joella.