Children's Miracle Network

Ministry Saint Joseph's Children's Hospital

JILLIAN AND JEFFREY SAAL

Jillian and Jeffrey Saal, children of Steve and Angie, of Merrill aren’t your typical brother and sister. They were both featured during the 1994 Children’s Miracle Network Telethon – the first siblings to be featured as spokeschildren on the broadcast.

They share the same mom and dad, the same name and the same home. They also shared something more serious. Both children were born with neutropenia, an abnormally small number of white blood cells in their bodies, and were transferred to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Marshfield. Jillian spent three weeks in the unit before her condition improved enough for her to go home. When Jeffrey was born, new medications were used, enabling his body to make white blood cells.

Jillian and Jeffrey Saal

Now, years later, Jillian and Jeffrey have no memory of their rough start. They are both active in school and the Merrill community. But for the Saal family, Saint Joseph’s Hospital and Children’s Miracle Network will always have a place in their heart.

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