I was first brought to Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital when I was three weeks old. My first surgery, on August 1, 2001, lasted six hours. The quick and precise work of the doctors and nurses is the reason why I survived. I've had 18 surgeries in total, and I have a favorite nurse who has been a part of my life since I was four years old. I've spent a Thanksgiving, Easter and weeks leading up to Christmas all in the hospital. As I sit here typing this more than 15 years after my first surgery, I'm filled with gratitude. I'm thankful for all of the caregivers that have walked in my hospital room who showed me and my family that they did care. The Child Life Specialists were my favorite people to walk in my room since I knew that they were the good guys. The Child Life Specialists have made such an impact on my life that I decided to become a Child Life Specialist when I graduate high school. I want to make an impact on my future patients the way Child Life Specialists made on me. The Child Life Specialists showed me that everything was going to be okay and that I didn't need to be scared. So for that, I am forever thankful for The Child Life Specialists that walked into my hospital room who gave me hope and, for a short period of time, allowed me to be a kid, not a patient.

I'm forever grateful for Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital and all they have done for me. I learned five essential things about life during my hospitalizations.

First, I learned that it is not what happens to you, it's what you make of it. I could be mad that I had 18 surgeries in the first eight years of my life, or I could try to have a positive outlook.

The second thing I learned is to be grateful because someone else has it worse than you do. I saw a lot of patients with more critical problems than I had, and it made me see that I didn't have the worst problem.

Third, I learned that having gratitude is important. I go back to my children's hospital every year on my birthday and say thank you to all who contributed to helping me be the healthy teenager I am today.

Fourth, places other than your house can become your home too. Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital is my second home, and I love that I can call it home.

Fifth, every caregiver that walks into your hospital room is your family. Truly everyone that walked into my hospital room cared about me and was focused on my well-being. The caregivers that walked into my room truly made it feel like home, and I am truly grateful.

So, thank you, Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital , for giving me the gift of life and teaching me valuable lessons about life. A million thank-yous will never be enough.

Love,

Breanna Sprenger