Champions is a Children's Miracle Network Hospitals program that brings attention to the important work being done at its 170 children’s hospitals. It does this by honoring 51 remarkable kids who have faced severe medical challenges, and helping them tell their stories.
The Champions program designates a child in every state who has bravely battled a serious injury or illness. The Champions represent the nearly 17 million children treated at Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals every year. The 2011 Champions have dealt with a wide variety of injuries and illnesses including genetic diseases, organ transplants and traumas, as well as various types of cancer.
The Champions travel for a week in October, first to Washington, D.C., where they traditionally meet with their state senators on Capitol Hill, and the President of the United States during a visit to the White House. They then take a private chartered flight, provided by Delta Air Lines, to Orlando, Fla. There, champions meet Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals sponsors, hospital representatives and media partners who all convene to celebrate a year of medical miracles during the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Celebration event at Walt Disney World Resort.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Friday, April 22, 2011
Maddy's Story
Maddy
Age 14
Hawaii
Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children
Spina bifida
Most people associate hospitals with pain and discomfort, but for 14-year-old Maddy, it’s where her extended family lives. Maddy has been treated since birth for spina bifida and resulting complications. This includes weekly physical therapy and more than 27 surgeries, with likely more to come. But that’s okay with Maddy; she greets every day—and everyone—with a smile.
Maddy has been declared the mayor of her hospital unit, not only because she has spent so much time there, but because she is always reaching out to patients and staff. Maddy doesn’t wants kids to be afraid of what happens in the hospital and, even when in treatment herself, she spends time out of her room and talking with other children, helping prepare them for procedures and explaining surgeries.
Maddy has touched the lives of many at the hospital and throughout the community. Despite her own challenges—or perhaps because of them—Maddy is an inspiration.
Age 14
Hawaii
Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children
Spina bifida
Most people associate hospitals with pain and discomfort, but for 14-year-old Maddy, it’s where her extended family lives. Maddy has been treated since birth for spina bifida and resulting complications. This includes weekly physical therapy and more than 27 surgeries, with likely more to come. But that’s okay with Maddy; she greets every day—and everyone—with a smile.
Maddy has been declared the mayor of her hospital unit, not only because she has spent so much time there, but because she is always reaching out to patients and staff. Maddy doesn’t wants kids to be afraid of what happens in the hospital and, even when in treatment herself, she spends time out of her room and talking with other children, helping prepare them for procedures and explaining surgeries.
Maddy has touched the lives of many at the hospital and throughout the community. Despite her own challenges—or perhaps because of them—Maddy is an inspiration.
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