- Supporting ECMO survivors and families
Maria's Miracle:
Hope. Education. Support for Every ECMO Family.
Born from one survivor’s journey and strengthened through collaboration, Maria’s Miracle, now a program of the ARDS Alliance, empowers patients, families, and clinicians with compassionate and accessible critical care and ECMO resources.
130 days in hospital
A Story of Survival, Compassion, and Purpose
Maria's Story
In 2021, Maria Young survived severe COVID 19, ARDS, and 69 days on VV ECMO at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Her recovery was shaped by extraordinary medical teams, the steadfast support of her family, and the profound vulnerability of critical illness. That experience revealed a gap: families needed clearer information, emotional support, and tools to navigate the ICU with confidence.
Maria transformed her journey into purpose, sharing her story to honor those who cared for her, those who did not survive, and the families walking the same uncertain path.
- Johns Hopkins Medicine
- 501(c)(3)
Turning Lived Experience Into Lifesaving Support
About Maria's Miracle
Maria’s Miracle was created to make critical care resources that are accessible, patient centered, and empowering. The program focuses on:
- Family centered resources that explain complex care in clear and compassionate language
- ECMO and ARDS education for patients, caregivers, and communities
- Storytelling and advocacy that elevate survivor voices
- Tools for clinicians that strengthen communication and patient experience
What began as one survivor’s mission has grown into a trusted resource for families and care teams across the world.
Stronger Together: A Unified Mission for ARDS and ECMO Families
A Program of the ARDS Alliance
Maria’s Miracle is now part of the ARDS Alliance, expanding its reach and impact through national collaboration. Together, we are building a comprehensive ecosystem of support that blends:
- Clinical expertise
- Survivor insight
- Compassionate storytelling
- Community connection
This integration strengthens our shared commitment to improving outcomes, supporting families, and advancing awareness of ARDS and ECMO.
ECMO by the numbers
21,000+
Number of times ECMO was used worldwide in 2024
600+
Hospitals worldwide
7-10
Average # days a patient is on ECMO
40%-55%
ECMO Mortality rate
What We Offer
Resources Designed for Real Families in Real Time
ECMO Guides
Guides for ECMO and ICU navigation
Caregiver Tools
Tools for families and caregivers
Education
Educational materials for hospitals and clinicians
Support
Survivor and family support initiatives
Advocacy
Advocacy and awareness campaigns
Help Us Bring Clarity, Connection, and Hope to More Families
Join the Mission
Whether you are a survivor, caregiver, clinician, or supporter, you can help expand access to lifesaving education and compassionate support.