My name is Nina Daigle and I am so excited to be a Youth Ambassador again for the 2025 Star Gala! 

I am a junior at UW-Eau Claire, where I'm studying Environmental Biology and Ecology on the pre-veterinary medicine track. 

Children's Minnesota has been a huge part of my life since I was born and, it's truly the reason I am alive today and that's why it means so much to me to raise funds for such an important and special place. 

Child and Family Services has been a huge part of my experience at Children's. This program is very near to me because of the incredible care I have received and because my mother worked as a Child Life Specialist at the Minneapolis campus for 12 years. 

When I was a baby, I was diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis, a genetic disorder that has required me to spend many days in the hospital and its clinics. As a child, I always had very high levels of anxiety, especially in medical settings. Child Life was always there for me, offering support and distraction for every MRI, needle, and procedure. They helped make what could have been a terrifying experience a little more bearable. 

Some of my fondest memories include watching the Wishing Well show with Porky Chops, playing bingo, and watching Star Studio in more recent years during my stays. 

When I was 17  doctors discovered a tumor at the base of my brain that was pressing on my brain stem, blocking the flow of spinal fluid. I had constant migranes that prevented me from enjoying my senior year and all the things I loved to do. 

I received life-saving brain surgery on December 22nd, 2021. They even played my favorite Taylor Swift album during my surgery!

I was only supposed to be in the hospital for a day or two afterward but due to many complications my stay was extended and I ended up being in the hospital until late Christmas Day. Child Life came through with gifts - stuffed animals, blankets, a tree, crafts - and even a visit from the therapy dogs!

Just a few weeks after my surgery I was back to enjoy all of the things I loved. I am so lucky that I was able to receive care from Children's as it was the highest quality care from any neurosurgery clinic in the nation. One of the most important things that came out of this is that mt procedure was sucessful enough were I did not need a shunt placment, I work with horses over the summer and haivng a shunt makes horseback riding very difficult.

I want to thank all of the child life specailists, nurses (espically Aumtum!) and the saving grace of Jesus for all they have done. I am so grateful for what Children’s Minnesota has done for me, and I hope you’ll consider donating to my fundraiser so that more children can experience the comfort and support they need during life-altering times