Carter Harrison

2021 Children’s Miracle Network champion

Carter Harrison has come such a long way since his days in the NICU of the Studer Family Children’s Hospital, your local Children's Miracle Network Hospital (CMN). After undergoing his first heart surgery at only 28 days old, Carter was later diagnosed with Takenouchi-Kosaki Syndrome — a condition so rare his case could only be compared with a handful of others worldwide.

Now nearly 3 years old, this precious little boy has defied all odds. Despite the many challenges that accompany his syndrome, his family refuses to let him be defined by it. They feel blessed to be treated by specialists at Sacred Heart who make his care so personal.

“This past year has been one of the best years of Carter’s life,” says his mother, Meredith. “He has stayed well and healthy and is learning a lot of new things.”

Carter was not expected to be able to walk or talk, but he’s excelling at both, overcoming challenges with the aid of extra medical equipment and communicating at a level that surprises his parents and doctors. In speech therapy, he sings and practices sign language while using a tablet to help express himself. He’s also a big brother now.

There’s so much to celebrate — in 2020, Carter was selected as the Children’s Miracle Network champion, representing the Children’s Hospital throughout the Gulf Coast.

“We can’t wait for him to be able to understand not only what he’s gone through, but also the impact he’s had on others,” his mom says. “Before his diagnosis, we didn’t realize the medical conditions and developmental delays he would have. The outpouring of love from the doctors and nurses and our community has been amazing.”

During a recent appointment, one of Carter’s nurses told the Harrisons she had seen his picture at Walmart, a CMN partner organization.

“People see him, and they donate because they know where the money is going,” Meredith says. “To know there are families who haven’t gotten a diagnosis in 10 years makes me so much more thankful to know we have this place right here in our backyard.”

All proceeds from donations stay in our local community, and Carter’s sweet spirit is an inspiration to everyone who hears his story.

“We are a family of faith … we really do believe there is a bigger purpose in all of this,” Meredith says. “That’s where the hospital and the Children’s Miracle Network come in. Despite what Carter has gone through, he can show the community what it means to overcome.”

To learn more about Children’s Miracle Network and how you can make a difference, please visit GiveSacredHeart.org/childrensmiracle-network.