Children's Miracle Network

Ministry Saint Joseph's Children's Hospital

Scedra Stoffel
Nekoosa, Wisconsin

Scedra Stoffel

When you meet nine-year-old Scedra Stoffel of Nekoosa, you will notice one thing – she knows how to make you smile. Scedra has beautiful brown hair, an incredible smile and a charming personality. The other thing you might notice about Scedra is her unusual first name. It’s a unique combination of the first initials of her six grandmothers. By the way, Scedra also has cerebral palsy.

Scedra’s story begins one month before she was born. Her parents, Jeff and Julie, were told that Julie’s pregnancy had some complications. Following one month of hospital bed rest at Saint Joseph’s Hospital, Scedra was born three months premature weighing two pounds, six ounces.

Immediately following her birth, Scedra was admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Saint Joseph’s Children’s Hospital. That would be her home for the next six weeks. Scedra’s growth and development was closely monitored. She seemed to be doing well when, on the day of discharge, her parents received some devastating news. Tests revealed Scedra had holes in her brain, which would affect her muscle tone. Determining the extent of muscle tone affected was a matter of waiting. All too soon, Scedra was diagnosed with cerebral palsy.

Scedra has endured several surgical procedures to address muscle tone, hip placement, and foot straightening. She also has had to have extensive physical and occupational therapy.

“We have been truly blessed with outstanding doctors, nurses and everyone at the Marshfield Clinic and Saint Joseph’s Children’s Hospital,” said Julie. “We have had the very best physical and occupational therapists, as well as Child Life Specialists.”

Jeff and Julie, along with Scedra’s sister, Elaina, continually focus on all of the positive facets of Scedra’s personality and abilities. “There are so many blessings that come out of the challenges faced by having a special needs child,” said Julie. “We thank God for the incredible experiences we have.”

Scedra is an amazing girl who works endlessly to keep up at Humke Elementary School in Nekoosa. She continues therapy, has many friends, enjoys her family and strives to be her best. She wants to help others understand that people in wheelchairs can do things too. “I want to be a doctor,” said Scedra, “because I’m going through so much, I want to help kids like me.” And knowing Scedra, that’s just what she’ll do.

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