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.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Vincent's Story

Vincent
Age 12

Wisconsin
Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Congenital Heart Disease

Vincent was born with congenital heart disease, which required surgical heart repair shortly after birth. However, at 6-years-old, Vincent became sick with the flu and his heart function rapidly declined.

In order to save Vincent’s life, doctors at Children’s Hospital received permission for Vincent to use a Berlin Pediatric Heart. A month later, Vincent received a successful heart transplant.

“We are so grateful Children’s Hospital was able to give our son the opportunity to wait for a heart transplant,” said Vincent’s parents. “We were a little nervous, but the whole team was confident and calm every step of the way.”

Today, 12-year-old Vincent knows how important it is to keep his new heart healthy and enjoys playing football, baseball and soccer. Vincent always tries his best no matter what the task, and he loves to make people smile. With his new heart, there is no limit to what Vincent will accomplish.