From the time she was little, Lola has had a personality all her own. She hummed the Nightly News theme song as a toddler, cheered when Lester Holt came on TV, and sang “Jingle Bells” in a monster voice to make her preschool classmates laugh. She once even applied ranch dressing to her face like lotion, imitating her mom’s skincare routine. Lola has a sense of humor beyond her years, a love of storytelling, and even her own invented vocabulary. To this day, her whole family says “I love you all day” because of her.
For most of her childhood, Lola dealt with febrile seizures brought on by fevers. But this summer, her life changed when she experienced a seizure at golf camp without any illness or fever. Her mom rushed to her side and, on the ambulance ride to the hospital, Lola had two more seizures. That moment of fear and uncertainty was overwhelming for her parents, who suddenly faced a new diagnosis: Complex Partial Seizures.
Lola now takes preventative medication twice a day, carefully balanced so it doesn’t interfere too much with her daily life. Thanks to Beacon Children’s Hospital, her care team, and a supportive summer camp, Lola has been seizure-free since starting treatment. Her MRIs have been clear, and her family is hopeful that, like her earlier febrile seizures, she may one day outgrow this condition.
Through it all, the staff at Beacon Children’s Hospital made a lasting impact on Lola and her family. From nurses who offered warm smiles and blankets, to technicians who handed out teddy bears, to doctors who explained every step with patience and compassion, the experience was filled with kindness and reassurance during a very stressful time.
This fall, Lola’s journey took a brighter turn when she was chosen as a Junior Irish Reporter with Notre Dame Athletics. For her dad, a lifelong Notre Dame fan, and her mom, a former reporter, it was a dream come true. For Lola, it was a chance to step into the spotlight with confidence, creativity, and joy.
Looking back, her family says what stands out most are the people—the 911 operator who stayed calm, the EMS staff who kept spirits up with jokes, and every Beacon caregiver who made Lola feel cared for and safe.
Because of your support of Beacon Children’s Hospital, kids like Lola receive expert treatment close to home, along with opportunities to smile and shine beyond their medical challenges. Your generosity makes sure families never feel alone in their hardest moments.
Learn how you can support kids like Lola at Beacon Children’s Hospital: https://foundation.beaconhealthsystem.org/give-now/
