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.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Cody's Story

Cody
Age 4

Maine
The Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital at Maine Medical Center

Cancer

In the words of 4-year-old Cody’s mom, “He’s a hugger, not a fighter.” While it’s true the cheerful boy—known as the “Unofficial Greeter” of his hospital ward—has hugs for everyone he meets, Cody has definitely proven to be a fighter with everything he’s battled.

Cody was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia at just 10 months old. He won his first battle after six months of treatment when he went into remission. His fight wasn’t over; The cancer returned two months later with multiple brain and spine tumors. His chances of beating cancer were so low his doctors wouldn’t give a chance of survival rate to his parents. Instead, they said to prepare for his funeral.

But Cody kept fighting. After receiving a bone marrow transplant he lived in quarantine for an entire year, never leaving the house and seeing only his mom, dad and aunt. Cody emerged happy as always and will remain a sociable “hugger” no matter the fight. Though it once seemed impossible, Cody is now in remission.