Most people who meet Michael Harrell or hear of his story believe he is a miracle child. Growing up in Clay County, Michael has spent many days visiting the staff of Wolfson Children’s Hospital. From the age of three, Michael was diagnosed with Nephrotic Syndrome, a condition in which the kidneys are unable to process protein. As a result, Michael suffered from severe swelling all over his body. Doctors treated him with various medications, including chemotherapy, in an effort to reduce his symptoms. Although Michael’s Nephrotic Syndrome appeared to be under control for an extended period of time, Michael started having episodes of losing consciousness. He was again admitted to Wolfson where doctors suspected low oxygen levels. Michael spent over a week in the PICU, the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, where Dr. Iratzutzu questioned the source of Michael’s episodes. After running various tests, it was determined that Michael suffered from low Albumine levels and Pulmonary Embolus. Michael flat lined as a result of a Pulmonary Embolism which had left his heart, cause his heart to stop. Staff worked on Michael for three hours, determined to save the little boys life. Just two years prior, Michael’s sister passed away in the very same unit of the Children’s Hospital, under the care of some of the same staff members. Dr. Iratzutzu decided to give Michael’s body a rest and he placed him on an ECMO machine, a device which circulates oxygenated blood to the heart and lungs outside the body. While a child is on ECMO, one RN , one ECMo specialist and one ECMO primer are at the child’s side round the clock. Michael remained on the ECMO machine for over a week. Doctors warned his family that the ECMO machine could result in brain damage, but it was all they could do to save him. The ECMO machine was removed in order to have a filter placed in Michael’s leg, and once they began reducing the number of drugs Michael was receiving, he began talking more, wanting to eat, and wanted to play games. Doctors were amazed by his ability to read and speak so soon after being on the ECMO machine for so long. After nearly a month of missing school, Michael returned to the classroom. Today, he remains on the Honor Roll and has hopes of one day becoming a Veterinarian. Although he still suffers from Nephrotic Syndrome, his swelling episodes are down, and he is experiencing the life every blessed child should. Michael and his family praise the staff of the 5th Floor and the PICU of the Children’s Hospital for their continued effort to save his life. Michael’s laughter is still present today because the staff at Wolfson cared so much for his precious life.