Mountainside, NJ – Children’s Specialized Hospital (CSH) Foundation is proud to announce that Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals has selected CSH patient, Gabriella (Gabby) Brehm of Toms River, NJ, as the 2024 Regional Champion representing New Jersey.
Gabby will spend the year as an ambassador for both CSH and CMNH, telling her story across the country to show the impact of charitable donations to Children’s Specialized Hospital Foundation and all CMNH member hospitals.
Gabby, 14, experienced an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) rupture in her brain while she was running at track practice after school. An otherwise healthy teenager, she didn’t understand what was happening to her as her left arm, then leg, went numb and she collapsed to the track. In the ambulance, her mom noticed the left side of her face starting to droop and they knew whatever was happening to Gabby was serious.
After brain surgery to repair the AVM and 19 days without movement on her left side, Gabby was transferred to the CSH inpatient hospital in New Brunswick where she completed a five-week program of physical, occupational, speech and recreational therapies designed to help her regain strength and movement on her left side and bring back her (symmetrical) smile. After therapy at CSH, Gabby was strong enough to walk out of the hospital on her own. Today, she is back to enjoying the life of an average teenager and excited to spread awareness about the importance of charitable donations to Children’s Specialized Hospital Foundation.
“Gabby is a truly remarkable young woman,” said Alissa Memoli, President and Chief Development Officer at CSH Foundation. “After the trauma of the AVM rupture, brain surgery and almost three weeks in an acute care hospital, she understandably just wanted to go home. But she put in the work and made an incredible recovery. We’re proud to support Gabby this year as an ambassador for Children’s Specialized Hospital.”
To learn more about Gabby or make a donation in her honor visit https://bit.ly/csh2024champion.
About Children’s Specialized Hospital Foundation
When you give to Children’s Specialized Hospital (CSH) Foundation, 100% of your donation supports the programs and services of CSH that are transforming the lives of children with special healthcare needs. The CSH Foundation receives philanthropic support from those who share our mission and commitment to ensuring that all children with special healthcare needs receive the life-changing care they need to reach their full potential. To help or learn more, visit https://give2csh.org.
About Children’s Specialized Hospital
Children’s Specialized Hospital, part of the Children’s Health network at RWJBarnabas Health, is the nation’s leading provider of inpatient and outpatient care for children and young adults from birth to 21 years of age facing special healthcare challenges – from chronic illnesses and complex physical disabilities like brain and spinal cord injuries, to a full scope of developmental, behavioral, and mental health concerns. At 15 different New Jersey locations, our pediatric specialists partner with families to make our many innovative therapies and medical treatments more personalized and effective so each child can reach their full potential. Follow us on Facebook, Linked In, Instagram and Twitter.
Children’s Specialized Hospital is a proud member of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
About Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals® raises funds for 170 children’s hospitals that support the health of 10 million kids each year across the U.S. and Canada. Donations go to local hospitals to fund critical life-saving treatments and healthcare services, along with innovative research, vital pediatric medical equipment, child life services that put kids’ and families’ minds at ease during difficult hospital stays and financial assistance for families who could not otherwise afford these health services. When we improve the health of all children and allow them the opportunity to reach their full potential, we also improve our communities for years to come. Together, we can change kids’ health. Together, we can change the future. To learn about Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and your local children’s hospital, visit cmnhospitals.org.
Contact: Afiya Rawls, Children’s Specialized Hospital Foundation
Cell: 732-372-8517
Email: arawls@childrens-specialized.org