Hi! My name is Lucy Swigart and I am a freshman at Park High School in Cottage Grove. I am so excited to be a part of the Star Gala Youth Ambassador team as it is an opportunity for me to give back to a program (Child & Family Services) and organization that made a big difference in my life.

When I was in 5th grade, I spent 17 days in the ICU at Children's Hospital St. Paul after being diagnosed with E. coli. The E. coli ended up shutting down my kidneys and I was on peritoneal dialysis for most of my stay. Along with feeling pretty miserable most of the time, I alse ended up on a feeding tube and having 3 blood trasfusions!

The days would often feel long and the Child Life team were a huge part of helping me get through those days. Two of my favorite memories include the music therapist playing her ukulele and singing to me (her voice was like an angel) and play bingo with The Dude through the Star Channel. I even won a huge lego set!

Thankfully, due to the amazing care I received, I have fully recovered with no long time side effects.

I will forever be grateful for the doctors, nurses (especially Alissa), therapists, child life specialists and the entire team at children's for giving me the best care possible and helping my body to heal. 

Please help me give back by joining my fundraiser and helping children get the care and services they need and deserve.