Wade Pacely, Jr.’s Home Run for Life
Five-year-old Wade Pacely, Jr. is the youngest of five children. Though Wade’s mother, Tina, will tell you his energy level is at a 10 and tops them all. CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO BEACON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL Just two weeks after being born, Wade was diagnosed with hydrocephalus which causes a
Five-year-old Wade Pacely, Jr. is the youngest of five children. Though Wade’s mother, Tina, will tell you his energy level is at a 10 and tops them all.
CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO BEACON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
Just two weeks after being born, Wade was diagnosed with hydrocephalus which causes a buildup of excess spinal fluid in the brain.
Baby Wade also experienced bleeding on both sides of his brain.
“As a mother you know something wasn’t right. It was the worst day of our lives,” said Tina.
Dr. Daniel Fulkerson, now a pediatric surgeon with Beacon Medical Group, performed the initial surgery on Wade in Indianapolis when he was 15 days old.
There, Wade spent the next 2 months in the NICU. The weekly six-hour commutes from South Bend were taking a toll on the family.
“What a journey. They told us he'd never be normal. Wouldn't walk or talk on time. Would need a feeding tube for the rest of his life. We didn't listen. We knew in our hearts that he would be the most amazing kid with absolutely no issues.”
In July of 2019, Wade needed shunt replacement surgery. The family again turned to Dr. Fulkerson, who had moved to Michiana to join the medical team at Beacon a year earlier.
“He saved my son’s life,” said Tina. “I would give them my life for what they did for my son.”
Today, Wade is a thriving, young energetic basketball fan who Tina acknowledges as their true miracle child.
Thank you to Horizon Transport for sponsoring this week's Home Run for Life game. Every dollar raised during the game will be matched by Horizon Transport and will benefit Beacon Children’s Hospital. Horizon Transport, a highly respected leader in the RV world, is dedicated to the health and well-being of the children in our area. To make a donation, please click here.
Beacon Children’s Hospital is Michiana’s only community-owned, not-for-profit hospital designed just for kids!
Home Run for Life 2022 Dates (click each date to purchase tickets)