Mile 55

Three years ago, Rick’s life changed forever. In May, he was a victim of gun violence and suffered three gunshot wounds.  When he was found alive almost eight hours later, Rick was rushed to a hospital in Lafayette, where doctors worked quickly to stabilize him. From there, he was airlifted to Manning Family Children’s and admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) for more specialized care. He would stay there from May through September, recovering from his wounds.

When Stacy arrived at Manning Family Children’s, she was overwhelmed—not just by the gravity of what Rick had endured, but by the outpouring of compassion she received from the care team and staff. From the first moment, she was surrounded by people who treated Rick not just as a patient, but as someone they truly cared for. She met nurses, doctors, and support staff who offered comfort, clarity, and hope during the darkest time of her life. Manning Family Children’s didn’t just care for Rick—they supported the entire family.

In time, Rick began to recover. His strength returned slowly but steadily, and Stacy believes that his healing came through prayer and the grace of God. Today, Rick is not just surviving—he’s thriving. The journey has been long, painful, and full of uncertainty, but through it all, the love and support from Manning Family Children’s helped carry them through. For Stacy, the hospital isn’t just a place of medicine—it’s a place of miracles.