My name is Nina Daigle, and I am a sophomore at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire pursuing a degree in Environmental Biology and Ecology. Children's Hospital has been a huge part of my life, and I am so excited for this opportunity to be an Ambassador for this year's Star Gala.

I've been receiving care from Children's Hospital my whole life, specifically from the neuroscience department, making this year's Star Gala's focus very special and close to my heart. I was diagnosed with the genetic disease neurofibromatosis shortly after I was born, and after my first MRI before I was even a year old, they discovered an optic glioma on my right optic nerve that has thankfully stayed stable for more than 10 years.

The summer before my senior year of high school, I started having horrible migraines to the point where all I could do was sit in a dark room. I went in for an MRI, and doctors discovered a brain tumor at the base of my brain causing my spinal fluid to build up. That December, I had an Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy that fixed the issue. I stayed in the hospital for a week (including Christmas) and was continued to be observed after that. Because of the amazing neuroscience department at Children's, the surgery that I had was much less invasive than if I had received care elsewhere. I was able to jump back into everything that I loved doing, theatre and dance just being two of those.

The care that I have received from Children’s has truly been life-changing; it allows me to live my life to the fullest and keeps me doing the things I love.

Children’s has made a huge impact on so many aspects of my life, and I am so grateful for all the doctors, nurses, child life speacialists, and other staff.

I also want to thank my friends, family and of course the saving grace of Jesus.

I owe so much to Children's and the amazing care they provide to people like me every day. I am so blessed that I get this opportunity to raise money for an incredible place such as Children’s.