Children's Miracle Network Welcomes Local Champions
February 20, 2025
Two Springfield-area former patients of HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital on Monday officially assumed their roles as 2025 local and national champions for the Children’s Miracle Network (CMN).
Jase Hendricks, 9, of Rochester, and Lyndie Jones, 11, of Chestnut, will serve as ambassadors for the 170 U.S. and Canadian member children’s hospitals for the next year by sharing their stories of recovery and resilience through the exceptional care and compassion of medical and professional staff at HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital.
Jase suffered life-threatening injuries and fell into a 15-day coma in 2022 after a semitrailer truck hit the side of his vehicle head-on. His mother Brittany praised the entire staff of St. John’s pediatric intensive care unit, yet named Susan Tomko, RN, for the honor of Jase’s “hero” – which comes with a special cape.
“What stood out to me is the kindness and gentleness she showed to Jase, especially when she was cleaning him up after the accident,” Brittany Hendricks said.
That kind of sensitivity is part of the high standard of care found in the only children’s hospital in Springfield, according to Patrick Rath, HSHS System Vice President, Philanthropy.
“That moment when life changes, we’re here,” said Rath.
Katie Alsup recalled her fear during the nine months daughter Lyndie spent in St. John’s Level III neonatal intensive care unit, as she watched her baby undergo several surgeries.
“She had less than a 10% chance of survival,” Alsup said. “I think we visited every department in the children’s hospital.”
Lyndie was named a CMN 2025 national champion after serving as St. John’s 2023 local champion, and literally “passed the torch” to Jase on Monday.
Dr. Doug Carlson, Medical Director of HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital, noted most community members do not realize the hospital offers more than 20 specialized pediatric medical specialties, including cancer treatments, surgeries and rehabilitation therapies, as well as a Level III perinatal center for expectant moms coping with high-risk pregnancies.
“We provide the experts you need for your child’s care,” Dr. Carlson said.
Photo Caption: Lyndie Jones of Chestnut, the 2023 Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) Local Champion and 2025 CMN National Champion, passes the torch to Jase Hendricks of Rochester, the 2025 CMN Local Champion.
Jase Hendricks, 9, of Rochester, and Lyndie Jones, 11, of Chestnut, will serve as ambassadors for the 170 U.S. and Canadian member children’s hospitals for the next year by sharing their stories of recovery and resilience through the exceptional care and compassion of medical and professional staff at HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital.
Jase suffered life-threatening injuries and fell into a 15-day coma in 2022 after a semitrailer truck hit the side of his vehicle head-on. His mother Brittany praised the entire staff of St. John’s pediatric intensive care unit, yet named Susan Tomko, RN, for the honor of Jase’s “hero” – which comes with a special cape.
“What stood out to me is the kindness and gentleness she showed to Jase, especially when she was cleaning him up after the accident,” Brittany Hendricks said.
That kind of sensitivity is part of the high standard of care found in the only children’s hospital in Springfield, according to Patrick Rath, HSHS System Vice President, Philanthropy.
“That moment when life changes, we’re here,” said Rath.
Katie Alsup recalled her fear during the nine months daughter Lyndie spent in St. John’s Level III neonatal intensive care unit, as she watched her baby undergo several surgeries.
“She had less than a 10% chance of survival,” Alsup said. “I think we visited every department in the children’s hospital.”
Lyndie was named a CMN 2025 national champion after serving as St. John’s 2023 local champion, and literally “passed the torch” to Jase on Monday.
Dr. Doug Carlson, Medical Director of HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital, noted most community members do not realize the hospital offers more than 20 specialized pediatric medical specialties, including cancer treatments, surgeries and rehabilitation therapies, as well as a Level III perinatal center for expectant moms coping with high-risk pregnancies.
“We provide the experts you need for your child’s care,” Dr. Carlson said.
Photo Caption: Lyndie Jones of Chestnut, the 2023 Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) Local Champion and 2025 CMN National Champion, passes the torch to Jase Hendricks of Rochester, the 2025 CMN Local Champion.
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Mary Massingale
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