Together with Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children,the children’s charity Kids Wish Network has honored Dara Nagata, an 8-year-old from Hilo, as a 2014 “Hero of the Month.”
Together with Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children,the children’s charity Kids Wish Network has honored Dara Nagata, an 8-year-old from Hilo, as a 2014 “Hero of the Month.”
Dara was nominated for the award for the bravery and determination that she exhibited during a two-month stay at the Honolulu facility.
Kids Wish Network’s Hero of the Month program recognizes children between the ages of 3 and 18 who have faced and overcome difficult circumstances, often enduring a great deal of pain and suffering. While they may not necessarily suffer from a life-threatening illness, these heroes have dealt with life-altering situations, demonstrating extreme bravery and courage.
Dara was admitted to Kapiolani with acute encephalitis, a rare condition that caused inflammation of her brain. She was kept sedated for several weeks, but she miraculously managed to make a recovery.
Dara was in the hospital for nearly two months, during which time she had to cope with all the changes to her body as a result of her condition. While her progress was slow at first, she relearned how to walk, eat, and write her name on her own again. She underwent rigorous physical, speech, occupational and cognitive therapy on a daily basis.
“Dara remained positive, outgoing and playful, and never expressed any frustration as she rehabilitated herself,” recalls nominating Child Life Specialist Megan Yee. “Her progress was what some would call a miracle, and her outlook on the entire situation more than qualifies as heroic. Dara has been an inspiration to us all.”
Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children is one of hundreds of facilities across the United States that works with Kids Wish Network to honor brave kids. Each facility is able to nominate up to five heroes per month, and each hero is recognized with a Kids Wish Network certificate, T-shirt and gift card. Kids Wish Network honored over 700 heroes nationwide in 2012 and 2013.
Kids Wish Network is a national charitable organization dedicated to infusing hope, creating happy memories, and improving the quality of life for children having experience life-altering situations. More than just granting wishes, Kids Wish Network makes a difference through its various programs by delivering hope to kids across the United States. Experience the Kids Wish Network difference at www.kidswishnetwork.org.