Marielena will never forget the day she found out she had leukemia. It was May 23, 2019 – she was 15 years old. The years that followed have been full of adversity – long hospital stays, cancer treatments, a coma, learning to walk again and now dealing with the side effects of treatment. But through it all Marielena found strength in knowing she had a great future ahead of her.
Our 2022 Children’s Minnesota Champion, Emmily, met virtually with lawmakers to share her experience at Children’s Minnesota, and also advocate for programs that support families’ access to pediatric care providers.
No parents expect to lose one of their children. But out of all the sadness, Kelly and John want to bring good in their daughter Nora’s name. “We were one of those families in the PICU. They are having to make some of the toughest decisions in their lives. This is our chance to let them know they are not alone.”
Children’s Minnesota's Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) is the place where children receive the highest level of medical care for critical, life-threatening illnesses. The PICU is equipped and staffed to provide a full spectrum of pediatric critical care. We are available 24/7 for consultation and assessment for emergency and continuing care of critically-ill infants, children, and adolescents to age 18. We offer pediatric/neonatal transport from any distance in the upper Midwest via helicopter, fixed-wing plane, ambulance or specialized critical care rigs. The team has specialized training and our rigs are equipped to use treatments such as nitric oxide therapy immediately upon arrival at the hospital and during the transport.