In the heart of San Antonio resides a young boy whose resilience has made him a beacon for pediatric healthcare advocacy. Nolan Smith, a 5-year-old cancer survivor, has recently been honored as a National Champion by the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. According to a KSAT report, Nolan, who battled and overcame retinoblastoma, now serves as an emblem of hope and strength for children facing similar challenges.
Dr. Courtney Smith, Nolan’s mother, and a seasoned pediatrician laid bare the tumult of her son's diagnosis: “We went from a normal Saturday afternoon to finding out our child was going to lose his eye just like that,” she said in a statement obtained by CHRISTUS Children's Foundation. Nolan was just three years old when his mother, utilizing her medical expertise, detected an anomaly in his eye. After a swift referral to a retina specialist, the young boy was immediately diagnosed with cancer, and in a span of two weeks, underwent surgery to remove his affected eye.
Post-operation, Nolan quickly adapted to his new "superhero eye," a moniker he fondly assigned to his prosthetic eye. His journey through cancer did not halt at the surgery; Nolan also faced six arduous months of chemotherapy at CHRISTUS Children's Hospital. The support he received from the hospital staff was critical, enabling him and his family to tread through the trying period. “I’m so grateful for the Child Life specialists who helped Nolan feel safe and normal, the residents who took the time out of their busy days to get to know my son, the support staff who drew pictures for him to ease his nerves, and everyone who made Nolan, my husband and I, not feel so alone in our journey," Dr. Smith remarked in a publication by KSAT.
Now, celebrating life cancer-free, Nolan is not only a symbol of fortitude, but also a dynamic child absorbed in the pleasures of childhood. He reads avidly, plays t-ball and cherishes time spent with his younger brother, Cooper. The Children's Hospital of San Antonio, where his mother was once Chief Resident, celebrated Nolan's triumph over cancer by appointing him as the 2023 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Champion. Nolan told the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, "Having a prosthetic eye is just a normal part of my everyday life."
As the ambassador, Nolan will attend events sharing his narrative, not just to spread awareness, but also to embody the very essence of the impactful care provided at children's hospitals. "As our Champion, Nolan will share his story while representing The Children’s Hospital of San Antonio at various events with donors and throughout the community,” according to the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals website. The support from donors has been instrumental in his journey, as the contributions have facilitated not only Nolan's recovery but also his continued effervescent engagement with life.
