15 year old takes the field after head trauma accident

Hearing the roar of the crowd, feeling the anticipation in the air, 15-year-old Mikal Simmons took to the turf of Lucas Oil Stadium as the "Coin Toss Kid", an honor given to select Peyton Manning Children's Hospital patient ambassadors who deliver the coin and watch the toss from center field. An exciting moment to mark his recovery from a car accident that gave him serious head trauma. 

Mikal, a patient from Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at Ascension St. Vincent, joined another young patient in the game-day festivities, even being featured in the official game-day program thanks to our partnership with the Indianapolis Colts national football team. "The spirit of Indiana shines brightest when we unite around its youngest champions,” said Kalen Jackson, Indianapolis Colts Owner and Chief Brand Officer. “We are proud to partner with Ascension St. Vincent to bring unforgettable experiences to children and families and to celebrate their strength on and off the field.”

Mikal's journey to participating in this program has been one of incredible courage. Mikal arrived at Peyton Manning Children's Hospital, a level I Pediatric Trauma Center after the car crash and spent months in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. Doctors constantly measured his brain pressure, put him on breathing support and added a feeding tube.

But with determination and countless hours of rehab therapy, Mikal is rebuilding his strength, learning to walk and talk again. His goal? To return to school with his friends and cheer on his football team.

"Mikal has worked so hard on his recovery and he continues to make progress every day,” Marda Hale, Mikal’s mom said. “We can't explain how thankful we are for this once in a lifetime opportunity thanks to PMCH and the Colts."

Our partnership with the Colts spotlights our patients and gives them an opportunity of a lifetime to be among some of their favorite athletes.

“At Ascension St. Vincent, we believe healing extends beyond hospital walls,” said Stephan Masoncup, JD, Chief Strategy Officer. “This unique opportunity allows patients from Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital to experience unforgettable moments that celebrate their strength and resilience. Watching Mikal take the field is a powerful reminder of why we do what we do and the impact compassionate care can have on a child's journey.”

Mikal’s appearance on the field is a testament to the care he received and the collaboration of many teams across Peyton Manning Children's Hospital, including the trauma, neurology, ICU and other teams. It’s this dedicated, team-based approach that helps children rebuild their strength, get back on their feet, and eventually return to the simple, joyful things they love—like cheering on the Indianapolis Colts.