Meet the Murillo Family! Your 2022 CMN Champion Family at Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children

Every year, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals asks each of its member hospitals to identify a “Champion” to serve as the face for the millions of children treated by children’s hospitals annually. These ambassadors spend one year advocating for the charitable need of the hospital where they received their care.

2022 Champion

This year, 8-year-old Myles Murillo has been selected as the 2022 CMN Hospitals Champion for Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, and will spend the year, along with his parents Katie and Alan, as an advocate for pediatric healthcare.

Miracle Myles

Myles came into the world tiny but mighty—weighing 1 lb. 13 oz. Born more than two months premature, his family nicknamed him “Miracle Myles” for overcoming many challenges during his 54-day stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies.

Thanks to the highly skilled NICU team and best-in-class medical equipment, Myles was able to thrive and meet milestones that might not have otherwise been possible. His parents were so grateful for the incredible care received during his time in the NICU, and the life-long relationships made with the clinicians that were a part of Myles’ care team, they once again turned to Orlando Health when Myles began experiencing additional medical challenges and delays not related to his prematurity.

Following multiple visits with a neurologist at Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, Myles was diagnosed with epilepsy at 18 months old. During the beginning of his journey with epilepsy, Myles was experiencing up to 20 seizures per day. With the guidance of his neurology team, Myles began a ketogenic medical diet to alleviate his seizures. He also underwent surgery to implant a Vagal Nerve Stimulator (VNS), which operates as a type of pacemaker for the brain. Since his operation, Myles tells everyone he has a device “like a superhero”.

Today, Myles receives additional support from his seizure dog, Buster, who can alert Myles’ family when seizures are imminent. As Myles continues to manage his epilepsy, his family is grateful for the hope, healing and life-changing care that Orlando Health Arnold Palmer continues to provide.

Katie and Alan are forever grateful for the high level of care Myles received, as well as the state-of-the-art equipment that is used at the Orlando Health Winnie Palmer NICU and the Epilepsy Center at Orlando Health Arnold Palmer.

Stay tuned to learn more about Myles and his journey in the coming months!