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On Thursday, October 30, 2008, Children’s Miracle Network held its 7th Annual "Art Through the Eyes of a Child" Art Auction at the UF Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine Institute, presented by RE/MAX Professionals. It was another inspirational evening as more than 250 people from our community took home beautiful artwork created by the patients and families treated at Shands Children’s Hospital at UF. Thank you to the 25 physicians who became part of the Physicians Club, sponsors and attendees who helped raise more than $36,000 for Children’s Miracle Network at Shands Children’s Hospital. The 2008 theme was “Up, Up and Away.” Auction items included canvas artwork framed by Central Florida Office Plus, ceramics donated by Do Art, and a playhouse by Innovative Home Builders of North Florida. Since 2002, the children’s art auction has raised more than $345,000 for Children's Miracle Network at Shands Children’s Hospital. Proceeds stay locally to fund life-saving medical equipment, pediatric research and a variety of programs, including the Arts in Medicine program. Click here to see photos from the event.

At birth, Grace did not cry, wake to feed, or suck her bottle properly. Physicians described her as “floppy” due to her low muscle tone and identified her with “failure to thrive.” Grace was diagnosed with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), a complex genetic disorder that affects appetite, growth, learning and behavior. Children with PWS eventually develop an insatiable appetite, which coupled with the slow metabolism, low muscle tone and inability to exercise can lead to severe obesity. Grace’s family decided to bring her to Shands Children’s Hospital at UF because they found some of the leading physicians in the world studying PWS at Shands. Grace’s physicians hope that these studies will lead to better interventions and ultimately help find a cure for Prader-Willi syndrome.