Children's Miracle Network

Ministry Saint Joseph's Children's Hospital

Desiree Harhay
Stevens Point, Wisconsin

Desiree Harhay

Seven-year-old Desiree was very excited about Spirit Day at McKinley Elementary School in Stevens Point in September 2008. She wanted to cross the street by herself, so her mother, Kristy, dropped her off. As Kristy was watching Desiree run towards the school, she was about to yell for her to look both ways, but it was too late. Desiree was struck by an SUV.

“I was in shock,” said Kristy. “It was the worse thing I have ever seen – my child getting hit by a car.”

Teachers, along with her mother, immediately came to Desiree’s aid. They had her lay down to assess her injuries. Desiree had severely injured her ankle and foot, with minor injuries to her mouth and nose. She was taken by ambulance to Saint Michael’s Hospital, where it was determined that she needed to be sent to the closest Pediatric Trauma Center ~ Saint Joseph’s Children’s Hospital.

Once Desiree arrived in Marshfield, the Trauma team went to work. “The trauma center in Marshfield was overwhelming,” said Don Olds, Desiree’s grandfather. “They did a good job taking care of her. They told us what they were doing and what to expect.”

The family was relieved that Desiree had not sustained any severe head or internal injuries, however, she did have a long road ahead of her from the damage to her foot and ankle. Dr. Darren Corteen, Marshfield Clinic Orthopedics Surgeon on staff at Saint Joseph’s Hospital, performed surgery that evening. The next few days in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Saint Joseph’s Children’s Hospital involved daily bandage changes and wound care. Her second surgery, performed by Dr. Viktor Gottlieb, Marshfield Clinic Surgeon on staff at Saint Joseph’s Hospital, entailed additional cleaning and removal of dead skin. Infection was the greatest concern. The final surgery, also performed by Dr. Gottlieb, involved skin grafts to replace the missing skin.

Although the surgeries were behind her, Desiree’s challenges were not over. She had to walk on the injured foot, which was weak from the extensive trauma. Once she mastered the walker, Desiree was able to go home. She had spent 18 days in the Hospital.

To see Desiree today, you would not know what she experienced nearly two years ago. She has a heart-warming smile and enjoys collecting rocks. “She is doing well,” said Kristy. “She is walking and isn’t going to have any problems.” After all, Desiree has to keep up with her three-year-old brother, Dakota.

Patti Shafto-Carlson
Director of Development - Children's Services
cmn@ministryhealth.org