Hi! My name is Staten Vickers and I am 12 years old. Before I was born, the doctors told my family that I had severe brain damage and I may never walk, talk or function normally. I was diagnosed with hydrocephalus and nasal encephalocelle. My family knew I was a Miracle Child. I had multiple brain surgeries before I was one year old but my development progressed and slowly I learned to walk, talk and I became a very smart boy. When I started having seizures the medication controlled them but made me very sleepy and was affecting my quality of life. As I grew I was placed on more seizure medication and they were not controlling the seizures. My family decided it was time to search other options and on January 24, 2008, I had a hemisphrectomy where they separated the right and left sides of my brain to stop the seizures. After the surgery I was left with right hemiparesis and some vision problems. I had to start over and relearn everything including walking and talking.  When I was transferred to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta for rehab, not only did I progress quickly because all of the staff was unbelievable, but I made so many life-long friends.  My family and I will always be grateful to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta for their hard work and dedication with helping Miracle Kids like me! This picture of me was the day I graduated from CHOA day rehab.  Iwas sealed by Mrs. Loretta (rehab nurse) with kisses to make me “USDA 100% Day Rehab APPROVED!!!” We are thankful to have Staten apart of our UGA Miracle family, and we are so excited for his involvement in 2011-2012!