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

Mason's Story

Mason
Age 4

New York
Golisano Children’s Hospital at the University of Rochester Medical Center

Diaphragmatic Hernia

Mason’s parents were devastated when they learned that their baby son would be born with a congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Mason had a hole in his diaphragm that caused his liver, stomach, spleen and intestines to drift up into his chest squeezing his lungs and keeping them from growing. The condition has a 50 percent survival rate.

Three days after Mason was born, he was placed on ECMO, a heart-lung machine that helped deliver the needed oxygen to his body. Nine days later, Mason underwent major surgery to place his organs back where they belonged.

Since then Mason has endured several more surgeries, but you’d never know it by the constant smile on his face. He adores his doctors and even dressed up like his favorite surgeon for Halloween.

Mason and his parents have been among the hospital’s biggest supporters, rallying their friends and their community to support the hospital. Both Mason and his incredibly supportive family inspire everyone they meet.