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Hurley Children’s Hospital Names 2021 CMN Champion and Extra Life Ambassador

Keep your eyes peeled for this adorable face all year long. Six-year-old Lydia will be the champion featured in several Children’s Miracle Network campaigns across mid-Michigan throughout the year 2021. 

Lydia’s Story

Laura and David Bollinger were expecting twins when, sadly, one baby died in utero. Laura developed H.E.L.L.P. syndrome which can be life threatening for both mom and baby. Lydia was born at another area hospital at 34-1/2 weeks on May 29, 2014. Frighteningly, Lydia suffered acute respiratory failure. She was put on a CPAP machine due to her low oxygen levels. Then the unthinkable happened. Lydia coded! They had to do CPR to bring her back to life.

Lydia was rushed to Hurley Children’s Hospital, the only Level III NICU in the region. It was there that she received the life-saving treatment she needed. After 10 days in the unit, Lydia was stable enough to go home. Not surprising, she developed asthma. Lydia still struggles with this disease. She’s on four different medications. But to see this happy, active child you’d never know all she’s been through.

Meet Isaac: Our 2021 Extra Life Ambassador

This year, our CMN team has also added an ambassador for it’s growing Extra Life program which we hope will increase participation and awareness of this interactive fundraising initiative that provides support to Hurley kids and their families. We are pleased to announce our inaugural Extra Life Ambassador is none other than Isaac Wilson IV, an avid Hurley supporter who raised over $7,000 last year alone to support Hurley Children’s Hospital. Hear from Isaac why he’s eager to take on this exciting new role:

“I’ve been a lifelong gamer, ever since our family’s first computer graced the old farmhouse in Montrose when I was six years old. As technology has improved, I’ve done my best to keep up with it personally and professionally, and that has brought me to my new life in Silicon Valley. Now, over 30 years later, I haven’t lost that spark, and Extra Life has given me the ability to share that spark with others, while helping those who need it most at Flint’s public hospital. This is one of those things I know that one can’t do alone, which is why this year, I’m dedicating my campaign to getting as many of my fellow gamers together to support Hurley’s mission, and showing everyone how important Hurley is to not just the families of the Flint area, but to my home state as a whole. The privilege of being Hurley’s Extra Life Ambassador and teaming up with Lydia is one I’m thoroughly grateful for. I sincerely hope that together, we can make 2021 the best year yet for all the Hurley Kids who come through those doors, as well as everyone who loves them.”