TYLER, Texas — The Children’s Miracle Network on Tuesday announced 4-year-old River Hardy as the 2024 Miracle Child.
"He’s just the shining example of a little boy who will never, never give up. River amazes all of us; he is a miracle," said Christina Mosier, manager of the Children’s Miracle Network at Christus Trinity Mother Frances in Tyler.
River's mother Kyla Hardy said she is excited for River to experience this special moment.
"I can’t put it into words. He’s been our miracle child from the beginning. It’s a true honor," Kyla Hardy said.
River was born about six weeks prematurely after his mother endured an emergency C-section. As soon as he was born, River spent a month in the NICU, before finally returning home. Over the years, River was diagnosed with slight brain damage as well as cerebral palsy, but he’s never let any setbacks get in his way.
"He has faced more things in life than (I) will ever face. And he still has hard things to come," Kyla Hardy said. "But he’s just so joyful, so happy, and it’s just, you can’t help but be happy when you’re around him."
Now, River attends occupational and physical therapy multiple times a week through Christus and the Children’s Miracle Network. His hard work and his attitude are what earned him the recognition as the 2024 Miracle Child.
"He has accessed so many of our programs, services, and equipment, that is fully funded by Children’s Miracle Network. He’s just the shining example of a little boy who will never, never give up. River amazes all of us; he is a miracle," Mosier said. "So, in a sense, if Children’s Miracle Network wasn’t here in this community, he would not receive the care he receives."
Nothing about River’s journey has been easy. From birth to now, it’s taken some work for him to become the happy and healthy child that we see today. And for that reason, his family has nothing but thanks for Christus Trinity Mother Frances.
"My family can’t put into words how thankful we are for the support from Christus, the continued support from Christus. Because without them, you know, we may not even have him. So… yeah it’s just beyond words," Kyla Hardy said.
Now as the Miracle Child, River’s biggest responsibility still lies ahead. River Hardy will have the honor to ring in the holiday season by lighting the Christmas tree and illuminating downtown Tyler during the Rose City Christmas Parade on Nov. 30.