2005 CMN Champion
Leah Vigum
Leah Vigum is a happy five-year-old who attends pre-school and loves to sing and dance. It is difficult to look at her bright smile today and believe that at the tender age of four months the unthinkable could have happened.
On the morning of Jan. 5, 2000, Mike and Nancy Vigum had no idea their lives were about to change forever. Leah's parents brought their healthy, giggling, baby girl to her daycare, like they did most days, but that afternoon they picked her up to find her suffering convulsions. Leah was rushed by ambulance to MeritCare Children's Hospital in Fargo, N.D. where a team of highly trained pediatric specialists was waiting for her.
Leah's injuries were life threatening and required the expertise of several pediatric specialists including critical care, rehabilitation and psychology. Leah's medical team suspected she was a victim of shaken baby syndrome, resulting in a severe brain injury.
The Vigum's world was turned upside down. The unthinkable truth was more than any family should have to bear. Leah had subdural and retinal hemorrhages, requiring two weeks of care in the MeritCare Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. Her treatment included draining fluid from her brain, placing her on a ventilator and intravenous seizure medication. After being released from the PICU, Leah required extensive speech, occupational and physical therapy — therapy that continues today.
The Vigum family has had to overcome a lot. Through it all, Leah has been an inspiration. She works very hard at her ongoing therapy sessions and continues to make developmental progress. The best news is she has never lost her smile.
Why champions?
A champion is someone who has won a victory. Victory is what the 14 million children treated in the CMN-affiliated hospitals each year have accomplished through their battle for a happy, healthy life. But no victory is won alone. Doctors, nurses and therapists provide care and treatment. Families provide love and hope. Donors at every level make possible vital equipment purchases. Each of these groups, and many more, championed these children and helped them win life's greatest battles.
You can help champions like Leah achieve victory. Browse through our suggestions — we have a broad spectrum of ideas and events to help you get involved with CMN. Remember, 100% of money raised stays in this region, helping our own children become champions!
CMN Champions