Valley Health Journal

VHJ Spring 2003

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Spring 2003

Diary of a Champion

Two years ago, Simon Nelson of Hitterdal, Minn., captured the hearts of many. Today this active, healthy youngster shines as a Children's Miracle Network Champion. Excerpts from the media coverage tell his story.

Monday, Jan. 22, 2001 — Boy wanders out in subzero cold

It's a parent's worst nightmare. Janna and Brian Nelson woke at 5 this morning. Their 20-month-old son was not in his bed. They found him outside, freezing and barely breathing. He was brought to MeritCare Children's Hospital with a body temperature of 69 degrees. Read more of Simon's story.


Children's Miracle Newtwork Champion Simon Nelson made a full recovery after nearly freezing to death outside his Hitterdal, Minn. home.


Headlines

Even with cancer, a kid is still a kid

It may sound like an impossibility: a normal life for a child with cancer. But second-grader Bradley Hanson of Hawley, Minn., proves it can really happen.

Three unforgettable weeks

Hours passed and still Jamie and Eric Toutenhoofd hadn't seen their new son.

New, simpler procedure energizes young patient

Aaron Wounded Face remembers when he didn't have the energy to play outside. "My mom would ask me what was wrong, but I didn't know.

Second webcast "star" recovers nicely

A day after Shirley Laverdure underwent minimally invasive surgery to repair an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), she was back home. A week later, she was back at work half-days.

A Valentine's Day to remember

A Christian who lives her beliefs, Wendy Wahl of Devils Lake, N.D., looks for ways to help people.

Lung disease can't keep Fargo woman off the golf course

For 45 years Joan Saul of Fargo has enjoyed the challenge of golf, but last summer she faced her biggest challenge of all.

Minimally invasive approach transforms spine surgery

A standout swimmer at Moorhead Senior High, Jen Hornung never expected her college swimming career would be cut short after two weeks.

When falling asleep just isn't enough

Bob Fredrickson woke up feeling tired and worn out every morning, even though it seemed he'd gotten enough sleep.

Pioneering robotically assisted heart surgery

When MeritCare purchased the da Vinci Surgical System robot last year, it was with the future in mind: a future where a robot under a surgeon's skilled guidance would assist in heart bypass surgery.