Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Children's Miracle Network Hospitals Champions

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.

Friday, April 22, 2011

Ellie's Story

Ellie
Age 5

Kentucky
Kosair Children’s Hospital

Leukemia

It’s easy to imagine being heartbroken, even angry, if you learned that your 2-year-old child had an illness threatening to take her life. That pain was lessened for Ellie’s parents after learning she had acute lymphoblastic leukemia, because nothing dampened their daughter’s spirit. It was her positive attitude that kept them going and reminded them to count their blessings.

At Kosair Children’s Hospital, little Ellie became famous for her sunny outlook, even when undergoing chemotherapy, spinal taps, and long, exhausting days of treatment. Throughout treatment Ellie kept her smiles and perseverance, reminding everyone she met that there’s plenty to be happy about.

Ellie was so inspiring that the Ellie Cat Crew was formed in her honor to help raise money for the fight against blood cancers. Now 5 years old, she is in remission and has helped raise nearly $115,000 to help other kids beat cancer, just like her.