Changing lives

Pikeville girl named Children’s Miracle Network ambassador

Story by LISA SAVAGE | Photography by MARK GILLILAND

It’s an annual tradition to raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network. Donation tags might cover a store window, or donation buckets might be set up to collect some money.

Usually donors have no idea who benefits from the funds, but this year, there is a local face and name representing the organization. Audrey Smith, a 10-year-old Pikeville girl, serves as an ambassador for the Chattanooga region of the Children’s Miracle Network. The nonprofit organization raises funds for children’s hospitals, medical research and community awareness for children’s health issues.

Locally, a lot of people know of Audrey and her story.

The oldest child of Sheri and Andrew Smith, she suddenly became sick last July, and her parents knew something was terribly wrong. They took her to the local emergency room, and she was immediately transferred to Children’s Hospital at Erlanger in Chattanooga, where she spent weeks in the hospital after an E. coli diagnosis. She had many complications, including kidney failure, a seizure and soaring blood pressure. She was in critical condition for days in the hospital’s intensive care unit from the bacterial infection and its complications.

After almost six weeks in the hospital, she turned the corner and was able to go home. She has since made a full recovery. But through the journey, Audrey’s family and her doctors saw a miracle right before their eyes.

Sheri Smith, Audrey’s mom, helps with a craft project.

The Smiths received a call late last year from Audrey’s ICU doctor, explaining he would like to nominate Audrey as an ambassador after her miraculous recovery.

“We wanted to be able to tell how Erlanger supported us and how they truly did an amazing job in her recovery,” her mother says. “She truly is a miracle.”

Prayers on behalf of Audrey came from around the world, and she received cards from people in 48 states and from several different countries. The community rallied around the family, providing prayers and other support.

“People knew who she was,” Smith says.

The Smiths believe God healed their daughter but know the Erlanger staff played an important role in her treatment and recovery, and they want to bring awareness and help to more children. In the Chattanooga region, many businesses are collecting donations by adding $1 or more to a purchase and having a name placed on Children’s Miracle Network tags. They are also encouraging customers to drop money into buckets on display. All the money raised goes to this region’s Children’s Miracle Network.

“We want our community to know if they donate, it is something we know is real, and it’s for such a good cause,” Smith says.

For more information, or to donate online, go to childrensaterlanger.childrensmiraclenetworkhospitals.org. 