Faith Wilson Is 2011 Miracle Child

TYLER — This year’s “Miracle Child” representing the Children’s Miracle Network at Trinity Mother Frances Hospitals and Clinics is 21-month-old Faith Wilson, daughter of Sarah and Chuck Wilson of Van. Faith will light the City of Tyler Christmas tree tomorrow night following the city’s annual downtown Christmas parade.

Faith is the youngest patient to be diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes by Dr. Luis Casas, a Trinity Clinic pediatric endocrinologist. Last fall, after suffering from flu-like symptoms for several days, Faith continued to get sicker. Sarah Wilson took her daughter to the Children’s Center at Mother Frances Hospital on the recommendation of her pediatrician. After several hours of tests, it was determined that Faith was in severe diabetic ketoacidosis and very, very ill. Dr. Casas stayed with Faith in her hospital room that night monitoring her blood sugar and adjusting her insulin. He believed that Faith would have died if she had gone undiagnosed for a few more hours.

Before Faith learned to walk, she learned to endure 18 finger pokes a day. She learned to be brave through her insulin shots before she could even say the word “shot.” Managing Faith’s care is a constant battle. Until there’s a cure, Trinity Mother Frances officials say, they don’t really ever know what tomorrow holds. According to Dr. Casas, being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at such a young age is very rare and presents numerous challenges. According to Trinity Mother Frances officials, “Faith is a true miracle in every sense of the word. It is a privilege to provide her care right here close to home so that she and her family can enjoy life to its fullest.” To learn more about how you can help East Texas children like Faith Wilson, you’re asked to call Robin Rowan, Director, Children’s Miracle Network, at (903) 531-5437.