Source: Fargo Force website
The Fargo Force was proud to partner with the Sanford Children’s Hospital for the 7th Annual Sanford Children’s Night on Friday, February 9th, 2024.
Each year, a child receiving care from the Sanford Children’s Hospital is selected to be the Miracle Network Champion. This is an honor bestowed to someone who has shown outstanding character & perseverance throughout their time at the hospital & has proven to be an inspiration to those around them.
The 2024 Miracle Network Champion, Charleigh, is no exception.
In October 2018, 5-year-old Charleigh was placed into emergency foster care and was admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit at Sanford Children’s Hospital in Fargo. Based on the severity of her condition, doctors gave her less than 12 hours to live.
Thanks to lifesaving equipment and expert medical care made possible thanks to philanthropy, Charleigh survived and was eventually diagnosed with Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a rare immune deficiency disorder that, if left untreated, can be fatal.
Over the next two months, Charleigh remained in the hospital while receiving treatment for HLH, including chemotherapy, as well as support for behavioral health needs and other physical challenges. During her time at Sanford Children’s Hospital Charleigh’s health improved as she grew stronger and more vibrant each day. Today, Charleigh is thriving thanks to her loving adoptive parents and ongoing treatment from Sanford Health.
As part of her Miracle Network Champion duties, Charleigh was tasked with designing a jersey for the Fargo Force to wear on Sanford Children’s Night. As a Sanford staff member stated “This jersey is all Charleigh.”
Charleigh included all the things she loves, rainbows, unicorns, and the color purple. The color blue is featured on the collar, numbers, and nameplates to match the ribbon used to raise awareness for HLH, the disease she spent much of her adolescence battling through. When asked about things she enjoys doing, Charleigh included art in her list, which is evident given the expertly drawn unicorns featured on her jerseys!
The Force wore these jerseys on Friday, February 9th, for Sanford Children’s Night. Charleigh made her on-ice debut during a ceremonial puck drop prior to the game and hit the ice a second time during the first intermission for the Sanford Children’s Miracle Network Champion medal ceremony.
Charleigh’s jerseys were auctioned off online and raised $10,330, with all the proceeds going to the Sanford Children’s Foundation.
Visit the Fargo Force website to read more about their schedule, game stats, and involvement in the community.
