The Other Side Of The Camera

I’ve been a journalist for well over a decade, covering stories ranging from murders, to politics, to lighthearted features on parades and fairs.  But, my favorite type of story to work on is human interest. For years, I was a local host for the MDA Telethon. I would visit MDA summer camp and share the stories of children living with a form of muscular dystrophy. And in recent years, I have volunteered with Make-A-Wish, helping kids dream up their once in a lifetime wish. I enjoy meeting these children. They may be facing challenges, yet they exude happiness and a sheer joy for life. Their smiles can win over a room and their will to fight their own battle is something that I love to share with the public. So, imagine what it was like two years ago, when I found myself on the other side of the camera.
We were first approached by Children’s Miracle Network while Peyton was still living in the Nicu. Our story is a bittersweet one: two of our triplets passed away, but we have one amazing survivor who has defied all odds. Peyton was a 22 weeker, given little to no chance of survival. Yet here she is at two years old, with very few health concerns. She’s developmentally delayed, but is catching up thanks to therapy three times a week. I may be bias, but I think she’s the perfect example of a CMN “Miracle Child”.
I remember sitting down at a local radio station with the DJ and CMN crew as they asked me and Ryan questions about my pregnancy and our triplets. It’s a surreal feeling to be on the other side of the microphone. The journalist in me knew exactly the questions they would ask, and as we shared our story through the tears, I knew exactly the soundbites they would use for their piece. Never in a million years did I think that I would would be a parent to a child featured in campaigns and news stories about illness, prematurity and miracles. But looking back now, I feel so blessed. Click here to see the Children’s Miracle Network piece: The Skrysak’s Story
Because of our circumstances, new opportunities have come our way. Through organizations like Children’s Miracle Network, we’ve become friends with other miracle families and we’ve been able to share our story to raise awareness. Long ago, I decided to use our bittersweet story for good; to try not to dwell on my losses, instead use my beautiful triplets as a platform to help others.
Just last weekend, we joined other miracle families for a picnic in Springfield. It was a chance to catch up with the CMN staff, as well as the high school and college students who do so much to raise money for this cause. As you may remember, we recently saw the Illinithon crew last month. They invited us to speak to new University of Illinois students about their annual dance-a-thon that benefits CMN. Peyton is still obsessed with her college stadium experience that her eyes lit up when she saw her old friends. As I watched her play with the students, something clicked with me. These people were looking at my child exactly how I look at the children I interview for television. It’s a look of awe and inspiration as they process how much Peyton has faced in her young life, yet how full of joy she is. The rough beginning, the medical struggles, the hospital stays are in the past. And as I watched Peyton play with her grown up friends, my heart swelled with pride. It was right then that I realized, being on the other side of the camera has made me not just a better person…but a better journalist.

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