Coming into college, I had no idea how I was going to utilize my free time. I remember my older brother telling me that his best experiences in college were volunteering with organizations on campus that were involved in making the community a better place.
I will never forget being introduced to UGA Miracle during college orientation at the Tate Center. Little did I know the role and impact this organization would have on my college experience and how it would change my life. Before I talk about my Miracle experience, I want to mention what an honor it has been to be a part of Miracle’s mission and to see a student organization led by such amazing student leaders. More than anything, impacting kids lives of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and raising money for our cause bigger than myself has been one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever immersed myself in.
I can honestly say that it is because of my relationship with my Miracle child, Logan, that I remain in the organization and work as hard as I do. I remember the big Family Pal Reveal with Family Relations last year and my family pal was describing Logan and his story to me.
Logan was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2007 after an emergency room visit. It was found that the tumor would affect his hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and optical nerves. As a result, the tumor left Logan legally blind and unable to control his appetite among a couple other things. Numerous surgeries later, Logan is a different child because of the tumor; however, he is alive and well because of his strength, his courage, and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. That is why we do what we do at UGA Miracle.
Meeting Logan for the first time last year at Dance Marathon was a huge moment for me. After hanging out with him for less than 30 minutes, I realized Logan is just a kid who wanted to be in front of the huge group dance and make crafts just like any other normal kid would want to do.
Not once did he complain about not being able to see nor did he complain about any of the results of his tumor. In fact, Logan often made light of his situation by making what he calls “brain tumor humor”.
Logan has taught me so much about life in general. How someone that has been through so much could be so strong and happy in the midst of his situation still blows my mind and continues to serve as an inspiration to me daily.
Simply put, he’s my hero.