Stephanie Ramagos Williamson has long believed in the power prayer. Today, she will champion the power of modern medicine, as well.

Williamson’s son, Kyzer, has defied the odds thanks to prayer and medicine – odds that ranged from undergoing open-heart surgery at the age of three weeks to an accident that left him comatose at the age of 2.

His story is scheduled to be part of the WJTV Children’s Miracle Network telethon that begins at 8 p.m. today. The Children’s Miracle Network raises money to benefit children’s hospitals across the country.

In Jackson, proceeds from the telethon will benefit the Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

Kyzer and his mother are scheduled to share their story on the telethon at 8:30 p.m. today.

Williamson, who grew up in Natchez and now lives in Crystal Springs, credits the hospital and its doctors with Kyzer’s miraculous story.

&uot;Dr. Charles Gaynes, cardiologist, was the first doctor we met when we transferred from Baptist Hospital,&uot; Williamson said. &uot;He diagnosed Kyzer and answered many questions. He is wonderful with the small children and parents.&uot;

Dr. Giorrgio Aru, a cardiovascular surgeon,performed the hemitruncas repair. &uot;Even though (Kyzer) had the infection and required more surgeries, (Dr. Aru) was adamant about healing him and saved his life not once but twice.&uot;

Two years later, when an accident returned Kyzer to Blair Hospital, both doctors &uot;checked on Kyzer several times to make sure ‘their’ little man was doing good,&uot; Williamson said. &uot;They even provided a shoulder to lean on.&uot;

Anyone interested in making a pledge or contribution to the Children’s Miracle Network may call 1-888-681-KIDS.