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Little boy 'breaks internet' when he asks Santa for a miracle
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Four-year-old Prestyn Barnette touched the hearts of millions around the world when an image of him praying with Santa was posted on Facebook.
Highlights
Catholic Online (https://www.catholic.org)
12/17/2015 (9 years ago)
Published in Marriage & Family
Keywords: Prestyn Barnette, Knox Stine, Lauren Sharpe, Santa, Carl Stine, prayer
LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - Barnette, like most children, was excited to meet Santa Claus this year, but unlike other kids, he asked Santa for more than just a present.
"We got up there and Santa asked him what he wanted for Christmas," Prestyn's aunt, Lauren Sharpe, told ABC News. "He asked for a Lionel train set and to pray for a miracle for Baby Knox."The request has been circulating the internet ever since, and has garnered millions of additional prayers for the tiny tot who is currently struggling to survive.
"Baby Knox" is two-month-old Knox Stine, who was discovered blue and limp by his father, Carl. Carl immediately revived him via CPR. After being transported to Sunrise Children's Hospital in Las Vegas, doctors declared him brain dead. Later, a second opinion reported blood flow to his lower brain.
"We talk about it, and we pray for him," Sharpe said, "and we've gotten Prestyn to pray for him in his nightly prayers as well."When Santa knelt beside an also-kneeling Prestyn to pray, Sharpe took a picture and posted it to her Facebook page with the hashtag #TeamKnoxJoseph.
Knox's mother, Mindi Stine, tole ABC News, "I thought it was beautiful. I thought the boy was precious and I think it's so sweet. It spoke to my heart. Even though I am experiencing pain that is unbelievable, that brought joy to me."
Stine added that she and her family shared Knox's story since they discovered him unresponsive. "It's been a roller coaster," she said. "He was declared brain dead and the children even said 'Goodbye,' but after the second examination of his brain, out of nowhere there was blood flow to his lower brain.
"It was amazing. We considered it a miracle. We did not expect that at all."
Knox is set to have a tracheotomy to help him breath this Friday.
Meanwhile, friends and family of the Stine's started a GoFundMe account, where they thank everyone involved and wrote, "God is using so many people to be a blessing to our family ... These gifts are so welcome, but we just want to make sure we ware up front about everything, and doing the right thing by all of you that have been so generous.
"We have needs and they are very real, and the outpouring of love and kindness from you all during this Christmas season is a personal challenge to give more and be more kind, as Christ would.
"We just want to be clear that we are not seeking financial gain, but feel God has used you all to support our family during a time when we have no income, and some extra expenses. Thank you all very much for the tangible gifts, monetary and otherwise. But most of all, thanks for your prayers.
"We will be sure that all gifts, food, cards, money etc...Are used appropriately for our family's needs and God's glory. Still #kneelingforknox -Carl and Mindi."
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