Molly

Molly has always been a fighter, born with spina bifida, a condition that requires strength and resilience. However, in August 2021, she faced a life-threatening challenge that no one could have anticipated. What was initially thought to be a simple stomach bug quickly escalated into severe sepsis, causing Molly’s condition to deteriorate rapidly. She suffered multiple strokes and was even declared clinically dead several times. After spending a month in a coma at Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital, Molly woke up, but she faced a long road to recovery.

Molly was faced with the difficult task of relearning basic functions, such as how to move, talk, walk, and eat. After another month at Cardinal Glennon, she was transferred to Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital. Her life had been saved, but it was here that her remarkable journey to recovery truly began.

When she first arrived she could only respond to yes-or-no questions, but, within days of arriving, she began to regain her personality and confidence. Trish, Molly’s mother, shares, “Cardinal Glennon saved her life, but Ranken Jordan brought her back.” She recalls the lasting impact of the therapists at Ranken Jordan, who helped Molly regain her confidence and sense of self. “The therapists have a unique way of connecting with kids, bringing back their personalities, and making them feel confident.”

During her stay, Molly enjoyed playing Uno with staff and other patients, a fun way to engage and build her problem-solving skills. Trish says, “I stayed at Ranken Jordan every night for the first two weeks, but I grew comfortable knowing that Molly was okay because the staff was there for her.”

One of Trish’s most cherished memories is a video made by Molly’s speech therapist, Christina. In it, Molly says, “I love you, Mom.” Trish remembers, “We didn’t know if Molly would ever talk again. I missed her voice so much, and that video meant everything to me.”

Molly worked hard and thrived at Ranken Jordan. She regained her voice and was speaking in full sentences, reclaiming her ability to communicate and re-engage with the world around her.

Ranken Jordan’s commitment to Care Beyond the Bedside® ensured that Molly had access to exceptional medical treatment, therapy and rehabilitation, and the opportunity to socialize and engage with others in fun and low-pressure ways with games of Uno, art projects, and other activities. This extra support for patients is made possible through the support of generous donors.

In February, Molly was ready to go home and was discharged from Ranken Jordan, but her journey was not over. Following her discharge, she discovered that her academic progress had been severely impacted. At the time, Molly was functioning at a kindergarten level in her sophomore year of high school. Despite the setbacks, Molly was determined to move forward. The homebound program provided her with the support she needed to continue her education while balancing physical, speech, and occupational therapy.

Molly’s unwavering commitment to her education paid off. By the second semester of her junior year, she was back in school full-time, proving that nothing would stand in her way. Her hard work and dedication did not go unnoticed. Her school presented her an award for her dedication to graduating on time. In May 2024, Molly proudly walked across the graduation stage, receiving her diploma alongside her peers!

Throughout her recovery, Molly maintained a strong sense of independence. While she continues to struggle with short-term memory issues, she uses reminders to stay organized and manage her responsibilities. Her resilience and determination continue to drive her forward, as she tackles each day with a positive mindset.

Molly’s journey, from battling a life-threatening condition to proudly walking across the graduation stage, is a testament to her incredible resilience, determination, and the support of her family and the Ranken Jordan team.