Meet Our 2025 Miracle Kids!

Get to know the 2025 Miracle Kids of Golisano Children’s Hospital—a remarkable group of young patients whose strength, resilience, and spirit have moved and inspired everyone around them. From battling life-threatening conditions to overcoming the odds with the help of expert care and unwavering support, these kids represent the very heart of our hospital’s mission.

Cody Leavens

What first appeared to be a broken wrist turned out to be much more for 11-year-old Cody Leavens. When Dr. Vabishchevich of the Pediatric Emergency Department saw that Cody had abnormally low blood pressure, she immediately knew there was something more serious going on.

A CT scan revealed that Cody was suffering from multiple major organ injuries involving his liver and kidneys, pancreas, and intestines. Surgery later revealed he had a severed stomach.

Surrounded by a dedicated care team at GCH and a family that never left his side, Cody overcame the odds. Today, he’s thriving.

Javen Jackson

At seven years old, Javen ‘Red’ Jackson was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of leukemia, igniting a decade-long battle marked by unimaginable trials.

Red endured years of treatments, setbacks, and personal loss—including the tragic death of his older sister, CoriAnise, and his father, Jermaine.

After a relapse in 2024, a bone marrow transplant became his only hope. His little sister, Jadiya, proved to be a perfect match. Her selfless donation helped save Red’s life. Now 17, Red is making the most of his second chance.

Kennedy Brach

After giving birth to Kennedy at just 30 weeks, Alexandra Walker quickly found herself navigating a series of unexpected and stressful challenges. Kennedy developed severe feeding difficulties that left her struggling to eat and gain weight, despite numerous interventions. It wasn’t until Alexandra turned to the GCH Division of Breastfeeding and Lactation Medicine that they finally found answers—Kennedy was diagnosed with suck dysfunction and a swallowing disorder.

With the help of a dedicated medical team and a strong support system, Kennedy is now gaining weight and reaching developmental milestones.

Mary Sarah Hanna

During a routine gym workout, Mary Sarah Hanna collapsed after her heart suddenly stopped. Her mother, Karis, immediately performed CPR until EMS arrived.

Mary Sarah suffered a hypoxic brain injury from the lack of oxygen and was placed in a medically induced coma. Doctors at GCH utilized a cutting-edge treatment called therapeutic hypothermia to cool her body and protect her brain, ultimately saving her life.

After months of intensive therapy and rehab, along with unwavering support from her care team and family, ‘Mary Sarah 2.0’ is ready for her next chapter: college.

Levi Morris

Levi Morris’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary—471 days in the hospital after being born at just 25 weeks gestation, weighing 1 pound 6 ounces. Levi faced one challenge after another: a dangerous blood clot, prolonged intubation, pneumonia, tracheitis, and even cardiac arrest.

Through it all, Levi’s parents remained steadfast, actively participating in his care alongside a dedicated multidisciplinary team.

Now home with his parents and dogs, Levi continues to thrive with ongoing medical and therapeutic support.