Meet Our 2026 Miracle Kids!
Meet the 2026 Miracle Kids of University of Rochester Medicine Golisano Children’s — an extraordinary group of patients whose courage, determination, and resilience continue to inspire our entire community. Through complex diagnoses, difficult treatments, and moments of uncertainty, these children and their families have faced every challenge with remarkable strength and the support of the dedicated teams caring for them every step of the way.
Taelynn Rotan
Taelynn faced life-threatening challenges from her very first hours of life. Diagnosed with Type 3b intestinal atresia, she underwent emergency surgery at just 13 hours old and spent months in the NICU while relying on IV nutrition and a feeding tube to survive.
With unwavering support from her mother, Kimberly, and the expert care teams at Golisano Children’s, Taelynn steadily defied expectations over the years—progressing from tube feeds to fully eating on her own. In 2024, at age eight, she officially said goodbye to her feeding tube. Today, Taelynn is an energetic gymnast, runner, and proud fashionista.
Tommy Klein
Diagnosed with autism as a toddler, Tommy faced early challenges with communication and social connection. Determined to help him thrive, his parents worked closely with specialists at Golisano Children’s to build a care plan centered around his strengths and interests.
Through evidence-based therapies, including the play-based JASPER program, Tommy began developing meaningful communication, shared play, and stronger social engagement. With the support of his family—especially his sister, Ella—and his dedicated care team, Tommy continues to make incredible progress every day.
Paige Smith
What began as months of unexplained pain and fatigue led to a life-changing diagnosis for 9-year-old Paige. Doctors discovered Paige had a Stage IV Wilms tumor, a kidney cancer with a tumor extending into major blood vessels.
Her treatment required many months of chemotherapy, complex surgery, and radiation.
Supported by her family and the Hematology/Oncology team at Golisano Children’s, Paige proudly rang the chemo bell in March to celebrate the end of treatment. Today, she is cancer-free, and she is inspiring other children facing similar battles with hope and courage.
Luke Johnson
Before he was born, Luke’s family knew he would need complex heart surgery to treat a congenital condition called transposition of the great arteries. But shortly after birth, he faced another life-threatening challenge when he developed necrotizing enterocolitis, a severe intestinal infection that required emergency surgery and delayed his heart repair.
Through multiple high-risk procedures and months of uncertainty, Luke’s family relied on the multidisciplinary teams at Golisano Children’s to guide his care every step of the way.
Aubrey Wright
At just 10 years old, Aubrey suffered sudden cardiac arrest after being startled by an emergency weather alert. After multiple cardiac arrests and emergency life support, she was transferred to Golisano Children’s, where her Cardiac Intensive Care Unit team diagnosed her with a rare genetic heart condition called Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia (CPVT).
With the support of her family and care team, Aubrey was stabilized with medication and received an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) to help protect her heart. Now, Aubrey is back to cheerleading and sharing her story in hopes of inspiring others facing similar challenges.