FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Ina De Mattos, 596.1016, idemattos@homeoftheinnocents.org
Lisa Cobb, 596.1021, lcobb@homeoftheinnocents.org
Home of the Innocents

December 7, 2006 , LOUISVILLE – Two years ago, Brianna was rushed to the emergency room and nearly died. Today, she is a miracle child who has repeatedly overcome the odds. After four years of living at Home of the Innocents she is ready to move home just in time for the Holidays. At 7, Brianna, who is nicknamed "Sugarplum" by her grandmother, is full of spirit and spice.

Brianna is one of the residents of Home of the Innocents’ Kosair Charities Pediatric Convalescent Center , which is dedicated to caring for nearly 50 medically fragile and terminally ill children.

“Since Brianna learned to walk, that’s been one of her favorite activities, this is not just a regular accomplishment, this is an Herculean, heroic achievement because Brianna learned to walk while on oxygen and attached to a mechanical ventilator. Her drive and her determination really led the rest of us,” states Milton Schmidt , Respiratory Therapy Manager at Kosair Charities Pediatric Convalescent Center .

Home of the Innocents is a private, non-profit agency that provides residential and community-based services to children that have been abused, abandoned, or neglected; long-term residential care for medically fragile and terminally ill children; and in-home and in-school support to children with autism.

It is during this season of miracles that the Home looks to the community to donate to its organization, so that children like Brianna can continue to receive the services they need to reach their fullest potential. Whether it is a portable ventilator, a special piece of equipment for the Imagination room, or a customized wheelchair—every donation helps our children in crisis.

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For more information about Home of the Innocents:

Visit www.homeoftheinnocents.org or contact Ina De Mattos at 596.1016 or Lisa Cobb at 596.1021.