March 19-Hurley’s 31st Annual Benefit Ball April 21, 2012 celebrates the “Carnival” experience in downtown Flint – and the amazing survival stories of Austin Perez and April LaGrone.

Austin Perez: Hurley helped him control his asthma and get on with life

Austin Perez was diagnosed at a very young age with asthma, and throughout his life has been hospitalized at Hurley a number of times, due to his condition. Today, this Flint-area teen is controlling his asthma and has a passion for theater. As a result of the outstanding pediatric care he received at Hurley and the Hurley Asthma Clinic, Austin’s mom Sue is now studying to become a nurse. 

April LaGrone: she can manage her diabetes herself with help from Hurley

In December, 2006, Tonya LaGrone became very concerned when her daughter, April, was hungry and thirsty all the time, continued to lose weight and was always tired. Tonya thought it might be the flu. But eight-year-old April ended up in Hurley’s Pediatric ICU for two days. The diagnosis by Hurley’s Pediatric Endocrinologist, Dr. Jabbar, was Type I Juvenile Diabetes. April was insulin dependent. She learned to give herself insulin shots and how to check her blood sugar by pricking her finger four to six times a day. “I can’t eat as many sweets as I like," said April. "I give myself shots, usually in my stomach or arm. And I count my carbs and keep track of my food and shots in a journal,” she added. Today, the 12-year-old visits Dr. Jabbar and his staff once a month to monitor her diabetes.

Benefit Ball's goal: to raise $200,000 for Hurley Children’s Hospital

“At Hurley, children are our future, and they deserve our best," said Dr. Brian Nolan, Clinical Director of Pediatrics and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Hurley Children’s Hospital. "Hurley Children’s Hospital is a way of delivering all of our children’s medical expertise under one unified umbrella. Hurley Children’s Hospital takes all of our outstanding pediatric services and presents them as they should be, as a highly integrated health care institution delivering the highest quality care for infants, children and adolescents,” he added. 

Tonya LaGrone, April’s mom, echoed Dr. Nolan's statements. “Hurley is the best place for your child. The doctors and nurses are exceptional, and they really care. I couldn’t ask for better care and compassion. They care, they know, and they understand what April is going through. I know without Hurley, April wouldn’t be here,” she said. 

Save the date! April 21st

The 31st Annual “Carnival” Hurley Benefit Ball will take place at the Riverfront Banquet Center in Flint on April 21, 2012. The black-tie gala features the finest in dining, dancing and entertainment. For tickets, registration and sponsorship, please contact Hurley’s Foundation at (810) 262-9399 or email acuneaz1@hurleymc.com.