2025 Miracle Kid Lyla is helping change kids’ health and change the future for patients at Marshfield Children’s Hospital.

Together with her parents, Jay and Ashley, and Truck Country – Wausau, she asks you to support your local Children’s Miracle Network hospital to continue the life-changing care and services for local kids throughout central and northern Wisconsin and Upper Michigan.

Jay and Ashley Hammerstrom will match all funds donated up to $5,000; doubling your donation.

In addition, Truck Country – Wausau will also match all funds donated up to $5,000; tripling your impact.

Lyla is loving when snuggling with her pet kitten, creative when painting, and imaginative when playing with her dolls. She is also strong and determined—traits that became evident early in life during her stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Marshfield Children’s Hospital.

In November 2019, halfway through her pregnancy, Lyla’s mom noticed some signs of early labor. After a check-up, she was told she was in labor and immediately transferred to Marshfield Children’s Hospital for bed rest and monitoring. The birth center, just down the hall from the NICU, was ready for Lyla when the time came.

At 23 weeks and 6 days, Lyla was born weighing only 1 pound, 3.8 ounces and was extremely premature, requiring four months in the NICU. Over the next 122 days, Lyla worked hard to grow stronger. She developed her lungs, learned to eat, gained weight, and maintained her body temperature. Throughout this time, her parents felt supported by the staff, who educated them on Lyla’s development and built their confidence as new micro-preemie parents. Technology, like the NicView cameras, helped them stay connected to Lyla, even when they couldn’t be physically present. The cameras allowed her siblings to check in and see Lyla as often as they wanted.

After 122 days, Lyla graduated from the NICU, but her journey didn’t end there. Just months later, she was hospitalized again with RSV. Her family knew they could count on the exceptional care at Marshfield Children’s Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Child Life Specialists made their stay more comfortable by providing toys, books, and emotional support.

Today, Lyla is a healthy, happy girl. She is curious when learning at school, fun when she runs outside, and inspirational with her determination to overcome every obstacle. Despite her challenging start, Lyla's strength and resilience continue to shine, and her family looks forward to a bright future for her.